10 things to do in the Wilmington area for the first weekend of 2024

A new year means a whole new slate of concerts, plays, art shows and other events to attend in Wilmington.

Just as I have in the past, I'll continue to guide you to the best entertainment the area has to offer each weekend.

Let's go ahead and get 2024 started. The first weekend of the year can often be a bit light, but the offerings this weekend are looking surprisingly robust.

ALL WEEKEND

'The Producers'

Jan. 4-14 at Thalian Hall: Opera House Theatre Co. presents the Mel Brooks musical stage comedy, based on his 1967 film, about two hapless Broadway producers who conspire to stage a flop and scam a big payoff but instead score a smash hit while courting financial disaster. New Opera House head honcho Ray Kennedy directs, with musical direction from Broadway vet Brian Whitted. Troy Rudeseal (of horror film "The Black Phone") returns to the Thalian Hall stage to play blustering Max Bialystock, while newcomer Dylan Caligiuri takes on the role of nervous, first-time producer Leo Bloom. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4-6 and 11-13, 2 p.m. Jan. 6-7 and 13-14. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.

Joe Mande

Jan. 5-6 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Writer and comic Joe Mande has an impressive list of credits: four seasons writing for NBC's "The Good Place," three seasons on "Parks and Recreation" and two on Netflix's "Master of None." He's got a comedy special, titled "Joe Mande's Award-Winning Comedy Special," on Netflix as well. Now, Mande's bringing his stand-up act to Wilmington's top comedy club, for jokes about everything from sneaking looks at his Hanukkah presents as a child to why he thinks milk is gross. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 5-6, tickets are $20 and $30.

FRIDAY

First Friday Jazz Night

Jan. 5 at Bourgie Nights: After selling out Christmas jazz night at Bourgie in December, the Jim Ferris Trio, which formed in Raleigh in 2008 and has been in Wilmington since 2018, plays the First Friday Jazz Night of 2024. Expect a mix of music from such jazz greats as Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, as well as tunes from more contemporary artists like Chick Corea, Spyro Gyra and Dave Koz. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

SATURDAY

HOOLiGAN Homecoming

Jan. 6 at Bourgie Nights: Big night of hip-hop headlined by rapper Trent the HOOLiGAN, who grew up in Wilmington. Hosted by longtime Port City rapper Fuzz Jaxx, and featuring performances by Wilmington hip-hop artists Louis., MoeSOS DC and others. 9 p.m. Jan. 6, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

Cancel

Jan. 6 at the Palm Room: One of the young rock bands to emerge from Wilmington in the wake of the pandemic. Cancel released a jangly, propulsive EP, "Heaven Can't Wait," on Wilmington's Suck Rock Records last year, and their new single, "Big Bad Texas," drops Jan. 5. 10 p.m. Jan. 6, cover at the door.

Wilmington Big Band

At Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center: Cape Fear Swing Dance Society presents their first big event of the year, a social dance with music by the Wilmington Big Band. Three hours of music and dancing will be preceded by a one-hour beginners' dance lesson. 6:30 p.m. lesson, 7:30 music, tickets are $15.

Hollywood Nights - The Bob Seger Experience

Jan. 6 at Odell Williamson Auditorium: Celebrating Bob Segar, known for hits such as "Night Moves," "Turn the Page" and "Against the Wind," the group Hollywood Nights is scheduled to perform Segar's collection of well-known songs at the auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. show, tickets start at $39.

John Shain & FJ Venture

Jan. 6 at Live at Ted's: Shain and Venture have been playing together off and on for more than 40 years. Shain was part of the '90s folk rock band Flyin' Mice out of Chapel Hill and has gone on to a prolific solo career, while Venture has played with such Triangle stalwarts as Chris Stamey and Rebecca and the Hi-Tones. Together, Shain and Venture released a 2021 album, "Never Found a Way to Tame the Blues." 8 p.m. Jan. 6, $15.

SUNDAY

Floating Lantern Ceremony

Jan. 7 at the Cameron Art Museum: Annual ceremony at CAM is tied in to its Illumination exhibit of light sculptures. Make a floating lantern to honor someone, or as a marker of remembrance, or simply attend to witness the spectacle of dozens of floating lanterns decorating the CAM's Reflection Pond at sunset. 3-7 p.m. Jan. 7. Free to attend, lantern sleeves are $20, $15 for museum members.

Laura McLean's Songwriter Showcase

Jan. 7 at Live at Ted's: Longtime Wilmington guitarist and songwriter Laura McLean presents her first songwriter showcase of the year. Featuring original songs by Mike Adams, Annie McLelland, Moss Watts, Sandy Younce, George Rutherford and of course McLean herself. 3 p.m. doors, 4 p.m. show Jan. 7, $8.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC Jan. 5-7 2024: theater, concerts, art