From rock to 'Ragtime,' 14 things to do in the Wilmington area this weekend

With area beaches beckoning, we've entered a time of the year when the event schedule in Wilmington can be, counterintuitively, on the lighter side. Still, there's plenty going on if you know where to look, from an array of cool concerts to one of the best stage musicals you're likely to see this year.

We also have a big list highlighting outdoor concerts in the area if you want to see what's coming down the pike.

If you're looking for Brunswick County events we do a separate list for that, and we've also got a look at things to do in the area for the Fourth of July.

ALL WEEKEND

'Ragtime'

At Thalian Hall: Opera House Theatre Co. hits the theatrical sweet spot where deep meaning meets relentless entertainment with its stirring, beautifully staged production of "Ragtime," the 1990s musical about racial, social and religious inequities in turn-of-the-20th-century America.

Directed with a keen, insightful eye by Fracaswell Hyman,"Ragtime" runs through Sunday on the main stage of Thalian Hall. From the time that music director Brian Whitted starts things off with an expertly played rendition of Scott Joplin's bouncy "Maple Leaf Rag," the show offers an American history lesson that's rarely less than riveting.

"Ragtime" tells the intersecting stories of three characters from vastly different worlds in and around New York City, circa 1900: genius Harlem musician Coalhouse Walker (Broadway veteran Curtis Wiley); an affluent yet sensitive white woman, known only as Mother (Broadway vet Megan Lewis); and a struggling but passionate Jewish immigrant, Tateh (Wilmington's Alex Gallo, more than holding his own with the ringers).

All three of these performers provide multiple standout moments with their voices alone, with Lewis' take on the bittersweet "Back to Before" among the highlights. But their acting brings things to the next level, with Wiley infusing Coalhouse with a forthright pride and dignity, Lewis giving Mother a deep if understated compassion, and Gallo playing Tateh with a kind of desperation that feels earned rather than over-the-top.

As these characters' paths collide and their fortunes rise and fall — as dictated by violent racial bigotry and a rigid social structure that rewards the well-off and punishes the less fortunate — a mix of fictional and familiar characters help tell the origin story of a modern-day America that, while often called a melting pot, was more like a rancid stew for some.

As Sarah, the mother of Coalhouse's child, Bianca Shaw delivers the show's most emotional moment with a heart-rending performance of the ballad "Your Daddy's Son." Cindy Colucci has a no-nonsense turn as the political activist Emma Goldman, with Kaleb Edward Edley the picture of decency (with blinders on) as Booker T. Washington. Former Miss North Carolina Carli Batson is lots of chirpy fun as the tarty showgirl Evelyn Nesbit, and Mathis Turner lends his portrayal of the great escape artist Harry Houdini an imposing athleticism, even at one point delivering lines while hanging upside down.

The singing and acting, aside from some ho-hum romantic chemistry, are top-shelf, but they're matched by Opera House's technical team: choreographer Sydney Smith Martin's inventive movements; Terry Collins' intricate, fluid set pieces; Debbie's Scheu's eye-popping costumes, which range from staid to spectacular; and of course Whitted's 14-piece band, which undergirds everything.

If ever a show was a must-see, especially as we approach our nation's 247th birthday on July 4, "Ragtime" would fit the bill. 7:30 p.m. June 28-July 1, 2 p.m. July 1-2. 910-632-2285.

Port City's Top Comic

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Some of the Wilmington area's best stand-up comedians (48 in total) square off for bragging rights in this annual contest. (Last year's winner was Matt Coghlan.) With short, 5-to-7-minute sets during the preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday, and sets as long as 8 minutes for the finals on Sunday. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. June 30-July 1, 7 p.m. July 2. Tickets are $15, $25 VIP.

'You Hurt My Feelings'

At Thalian Hall (studio theater): Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as a novelist who overhears her husband dissing her new book in this film from director Nicole Holofcener. Screened as part of the Cinematique film series from Thalian Hall and public radio station WHQR. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. June 28, 7 p.m. June 29-30. 910-632-2285.

Metalfest

At the Lookout at Iron Front: Nine heavy metal acts will play over two nights at this downtown Wilmington celebration of hard. rock. Friday night features the bands Fractured Frames, Escape Velocity, Dark Signs and Fox Noose. Saturday's lineup is Hyperloops, The Unmentionables, Clouds Make Shapes, Speeding Kills Bear and Tweakk. 7 p.m. June 30-July 1, tickets are $10, $15 for ages 18 to 21, $15 for both nights.

THURSDAY

Lauds

At the Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar: First show of the year at this beloved Carolina Beach spot, with dream pop/shoegaze band Lauds, which has one of the best sounds in all of Wilmington rock-dom. Earlier this year they released the stellar album "Imitation Life" on Port City-based Fort Lowell Records, which comes off like a lost classic with its indelible melodies, driving beats, ethereal vocals, interlocking lead guitars and the occasional swirling synth. Led by guitarists McKay Glasgow (who also sings) and J. Holt Evans, standout tracks include "24," "Don't Mind" and "Wasted Hours." 7-9 p.m. June 29, free.

flipturn

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Florida band offers up a dynamic mix of low-slug, melodic rockers and gorgeous, deeply felt ballads. Most recent album is 2022's epic "Shadowglow." 6 p.m. June 29, tickets start at $22.

FRIDAY

Free Concert Friday

At the Eagle's Dare: Free concert series in downtown Wilmington features a great double bill of local acts with Striking Copper (folk rock) and Justin Cody Fox Band (rock, blues). Fox has been playing around town since he was a kid, and last week released his latest album, "New Southern," produced by Burgaw's Audley Freed (formerly of the Black Crowes) and Wilmington's own Tommy Brothers. Fox has long been known as purveyor of hot licks, but he's increasingly a standout songwriter, with grooves both explosive and restrained, anthemic choruses and hearty vocals. 6 p.m. opener, $8 headliner June 30, free.

Steel Pulse

At Marina Grill Pier: Legendary reggae act headlines this big downtown Wilmington concert, billed as "Reggae at the Pier." Led by co-founder David Hinds, Steel Pulse formed in Birmingham, England, in the 1970s and went on to become the first non-Jamaican act to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Opening acts are Collie Budz, Makua Rothman and Wilmington's own Signal Fire. 5 p.m. June 30, tickets are $42.50.

The Candy Snatchers

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Virginia punk band of '90s fame rocks into town for a show at Wilmington's premiere rock club. Opening act is Wilmington supergroup Evening Shadows. 9 p.m. June 30, cover at the door.

The Great Indoors

At Bourgie Nights: Up-and-coming Wilmington act has caught the ears of online listeners (12,000+ plus monthly on Spotify) thanks to its jangly, retro indie rock sound. With Wilmington garage rock stalwarts The Girls. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, June 30. $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

Rickey Godfrey

At the Rusty Nail: Veteran musician Godfrey, who can play everything from the blues to Carolina beach music, rolls into town for a show at Wilmington's juke joint. With a backing band of local talent, including David Toma (drums), Al Payson (bass) and Nel Nichols (harp). 8 p.m. June 30, tickets are $10 at the door.

SATURDAY

Dram Fest

At Dram Tree Tavern: Day-long music fest comes to this Sunset Park establishment. A total of eight acts will perform, including Wilmington songstress Asia Daye (3 p.m.) and blues-rock headliners Blue Footed Boobies (8:20 p.m.). Noon-10 p.m. July 1, tickets are $20.

Machine Gun Band

At Marina Grill: Longtime Wilmington rock band plays originals and classic covers, led by guitarist Tommy Brothers. Outdoor show will be at the popular venue just off the north end of the Wilmington Riverwalk. 6-9 p.m. July 1, free.

SUNDAY

N.C. Symphony's Stars & Stripes

At CFCC Wilson Center: North Carolina's state symphony brings its annual Independence Day concert to town. Billed as a mix of " patriotic favorites and symphonic classics," chances of hearing John Philip Sousa = 100%. 7:30 p.m. July 2, tickets start at $20. 910-362-7999.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC this weekend June 29-July 2