Wilmington is alive with the sound of music

Any community with a Lennon Drive, Ringo Street and Penny Lane is down with music.  That’s Wilmington.  From the newest sound of the newest assembly of musicians to the most comforting notes from the classics, this area offers a wide array of musical sounds.  You can find all the music events at music.enjoywilmington.com

Here is a hint at the range of music offered here.

Bluegrass and Jazz

You could say that our season kicks off with the North Carolina Jazz Festival held over three days in February.  The cabaret setting at the Hilton adds a special feel to this event.  One evening’s performances are held aboard a ship.

The Cape Fear Blues Society holds a Blues Festival in mid-summer.  Performers from throughout the southeast gather for three days of great music at Legion Stadium.

Bluegrass fans look forward to a Bluegrass Festival held in early Fall.

Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach and Kure Beach) offer a Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival in late Fall.  Headline performers, local performers, and some of the best seafood anywhere combine to make this one of the most popular events around.

Blues Fans will enjoy the Blues Jam presented by the Cape Fear Blues Society most Tuesdays and the first Saturday of most months.

Rock and Roll

Whether your Rock n Roll is the Beatles, Punk, Goth, Techno, or the next Lady Gaga our nightclub scene is meeting all your needs.  Whether you are headed Downtown, to Wrightsville or Pleasure Island there is a club for you.

Classical and Opera

Folks might not think of classical music at the beach but the area abounds with great music for those whose taste turns to that music that has stood the test of time.

UNCW and its musical programs stand as the locus for much of this with its great performance venues at Beckwith Recital Hall, Kenan Auditorium and Lumina Theater. 

Every year the Wilmington Symphony presents a full season of symphonic music.  Generally offered at Kenan Auditorium it is another contributor to a varied musical scene. 

Even the Cameron Art Museum gets involved in the musical scene with string performances and its Jazz@CAM series.

Beach Music

It wouldn’t be North Carolina without some Beach Music.  Pleasure Island hosts a Beach Music Festival in the summer along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.  Since 1986 they have celebrated Beach Music and the “shag” dance.  Don’t forget your loafers.

There’s also a Shagging contest during the Azalea Festival.  They key here is to be able to dance and not spill your beverage.

Karaoke

Do you like to sing?  You might try one of the many Karaoke nights around town or one of the Open Mic nights.  Local phenom Bibis Ellison is said to have gotten her start this way.  See you on American Idol.

Newer Music…

Many of our musicians are busy trying new music or older music in new ways.  We have a group that regularly recreates an African Drum Circle. 

Outdoor Concerts

Sometimes it’s nice to sit outside, maybe picnic, and listen to some music.  Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Airlie Gardens, and Mayfaire Shopping all try to accommodate you on this.  Downtown features its Sundown Series along the Riverfront.  Wrightsville holds concerts in the Park.  Airlie has performances on the lakefront.  Mayfaire offers performances on the lawn near the theater.  These shows tend to run from May thru September.

You can find all the music at: music.enjoywilmington.com

And that’s not all

For a different feel to your music you might try the Rainbow Room Series at Thalian Hall.  They bring back the feel of a 1920’s club with small tables and a special performer.

The Children’s Museum has its own series of musical events for the younger set.  Look for it under kids.enjoywilmington.com

Music also shows up in the Theater and in Dance.  Be sure to check out the theater scene (theater.enjoywilmington.com) and Dance (on the Advanced Search) for more Wilmington area opportunities to hear your beat.

The music offered at UNCW can be particularly interesting in part because it is a forum for so many contributors and because they have a large musical population.  Many of the performances are by the students themselves.

And we have to mention Gravity Records.  It’s one of the great places to actually buy music on the disk of your choice.  Find it under retail.enjoywilmington.com