January Calendar
What's going on this month in the area
DOLPHIN DIP
Surf City
Thousands will celebrate the new year at the annual Dolphin Dip, which takes place at the Roland Avenue beach access in Surf City. Dippers are encouraged to wear a costume for the costume contest if a bathing suit is too tame. The event starts at 11 a.m., with the dip taking place at noon. The event proceeds benefit food ministry Share the Table.
Info: dolphindip.net
DELFEAYO MARSALIS
CFCC’s Wilson Center
The third annual Benny Hill Quartet scholarship concert features the trombonist from the “First family of Jazz” Delfeayo Marsalis. Marsalis, one of the top trombonists, composers, and producers in jazz today, is known for his technical excellence, inventive mind, and frequent touches of humor. Proceeds benefit the Benny Hill Quartet Scholarship Fund, which supports music education at Cape Fear Community College, with an emphasis on jazz performance.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $20.
Info: wilsoncentertickets.com
ART & THE BLOOM
Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Through Jan. 12
The Art & The Bloom event challenges floral designers to create artistic arrangements inspired by fine art, stemming from a collection of pieces from artists in the Wilmington Art Association and from private collectors. The exhibit is judged by two National Garden Club Flower Show school instructors and master judges. A preview party is January 9. Special sessions, including afternoon teas and workshops, are planned through the weekend.
Info: facebook.com/NewHanoverGardenClub
GREAT GATSBY PARTY
The Blind Elephant
Through Jan. 11
The Blind Elephant has a live band, drinks, and fun times for its sixth anniversary weekend.
Info: blindelephantspeakeasy.com
PLANETARIUM ADVENTURES
Cape Fear Museum
The museum shows a full-dome film in its portable, digital planetarium. The program is appropriate for all ages, and adult participation is required. Space is limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. January’s showing is the 30-minute Totality, on lunar and solar eclipses.
Info: capefearmuseum.com
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
CFCC’s Wilson Center
Through Jan. 14
The touring production of The Spongebob Musical, an award-winning show, comes to Wilmington this month. Based on the animated TV series, SpongeBob SquarePants premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in December 2017.
Doors for both nights open at 6:30 p.m., and the shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Info: wilsoncentertickets.com
MLK ANNUAL BANQUET
Hotel Ballast
Janice Mathis is the keynote speaker for the annual MLK Celebration Committee’s banquet. Other events this month include a business expo January 13 at Williston Middle School, community mass choir January 14 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, the Martin Luther King Jr. parade January 20 in downtown Wilmington, and more.
Info: mlkjrcelebration-senc10.com
NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL
Ballast Hotel
Through Jan. 25
The fortieth annual North Carolina Jazz Festival features three days of shows including Veronica Swift (above) with the Emmet Cohen Trio, Ben Polcer, Chris Gelb, Houston Person, Champian, and others in the weekend lineup.
Ticket prices range from $40 for Thursday night general admission tickets to $225 for full-weekend patron tickets.
Info: ncjazzfestival.org
THE MALPASS BROTHERS
Thalian Hall
With music steeped in the legacy of The Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams Sr., and others, The Malpass Brothers bring their retro tunes and impromptu riffs to Wilmington at Thalian Hall’s main stage.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15- $50.
Info: thalianhall.org
PORT CITY PING PONG THROWDOWN
Brooklyn Arts Center
The Brooklyn Arts Center hosts the eleventh annual pingpong competition. There will be professional pingpong tables and matches with the winners crowned and cash prizes awarded, starting 4 p.m. (Registration is 2-4 p.m.) A free Friday, January 24 practice is planned with open tables 5-10 p.m.
Ticket prices are $10 for players and $5 for spectators.
Info: brooklynartsnc.com/upcoming-concerts-events
THE SECOND CITY
UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium
UNCW Presents brings improv comedy group The Second City with a revue that breaks all the rules. The Second City’s Touring Company brings a night of classic and original sketch comedy.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $20-$50.
Info: uncw.edu/arts/presents
WISH UPON A CHEF
UNCW’s Burney Center
Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina hosts the culinary and auction event. Local chefs prepare signature dishes, while attendees and celebrity judges vote for best dishes. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The event starts at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $100, with sponsorship tickets available.
Info: one.bidpal.net/wishuponachef20
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