Latest news with #N.C.AzaleaFestival
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Hands Off' rallies seen across North Carolina as protesters decry Trump and Musk
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN/AP) — In addition to a 'Hands Off' rally that attracted at least 4,000 people against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk in Raleigh, several other 'Hands Off' protests drew hundreds in several other towns and cities across North Carolina on Saturday. Protesters at the so-called 'Hands Off' rallies were criticizing the administration's actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues. A large crowd was seen in downtown Raleigh at the North Carolina Capitol on Saturday. Some estimates had the size at thousands of people, who were chanting and carrying signs against Trump, Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Rallies were also seen in downtown Fayetteville and in Chapel Hill on Saturday. A crowd of at least 1,200 attended a Charlotte rally near the Mecklenburg County Social Services Department on Billingsley Road starting around 11 a.m. Saturday, CBS-affiliate WBTV reported. The Charlotte group blocked Wendover Road for hours and marched to the nearby Mint Museum and back, according to the TV station. A large crowd also protested in Asheville at Pack Square, where speakers appeared on a stage to address the crowd, according to Blue Ridge Public Radio. Protesters also sang songs and spoke against cuts to funding, the radio station reported. RELATED: Protesters tee off against Trump and Musk in 'Hands Off!' rallies across the US More than 300 people also protested in Sylva, a North Carolina mountain town in Jackson County, the radio station reported. Protesters shouted and had signs against Trump's spending cuts and policies regarding immigration and voting rights, Blue Ridge Public Radio reported. Other protests in the North Carolina mountains were seen in Brevard and Hendersonville. In the Triad area, there were protests at the Old Courthouse in Greensboro and in Winston-Salem. NC DHHS expects to lose more than 80 jobs, $100 million in funding from federal cuts In eastern North Carolina, more than 500 people protested at a 'Hands Off' rally at Wright Plaza on the East Carolina University campus in Greenville, according to the Daily Reflector. In Wilmington, a protest that drew about 1,100 'Hands Off' protesters was held near the N.C. Azalea Festival, according to the Star News. 'Hands Off' protests were also seen in Beaufort and in Brunswick County, south of Wilmington. So-called 'Hands Off!' demonstrations were organized for more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states by more than 150 groups including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists. Crowds at the rallies are upset at the way Trump is running the country marched and rallied in scores of American cities Saturday in the biggest day of demonstrations yet by an opposition movement trying to regain its momentum after the shock of the Republican's first weeks in 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Welcome to Azalea Festival weekend: We've got you covered, Wilmington
Welcome to the weekly Port City Life newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews cultural issues reporter John Staton. The 78th annual N.C. Azalea Festival started on Wednesday with the crowning of Queen LXXVIII Azalea Bethany Joy Lenz, and we've got all of the festival coverage you could ever want right here in the StarNews. We've got events to know about, we've got festival history, and we'll have photos, stories and much, much more every day until the festival wraps on Sunday. For details about this weekend's festival, and other events, read on. It's going to be a warm Azalea Festival weekend, with high temps well above normal. Overcast Friday and Saturday with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Winds will get a bit gusty on Sunday as a cold front moves in, with a high near 80. Hot stuff: What's the weather forecast for this week's Azalea Festival in Wilmington? Tons going on for the N.C. Azalea Festival this weekend, both official festival events and events hoping to take advantage of the big crowds in town for the fest. For starters, four new plays open on area stages: the musical "Mary Poppins" on Thalian Hall's main stage, bracing drama "God of Carnage" in Thalian's studio theater, English comedy of manners "Blithe Spirit" at University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Moliere's 17th century classic "Tartuffe" at Cape Fear Community College. Plus, Wilmington pop-rock band Kicking Bird debuts its new album Friday night at Satellite, and the massive Alt-Zalea music festival returns to the Brooklyn Arts District for the 10th year on Saturday. Link to full list below. Happenings: 19 things to do for Azalea Festival weekend in Wilmington, including non-festival options Food writer Allison Ballard clues you in on five Wilmington-area bakeries where you can get fresh bread. Plus, a slider chain is looking to come to Wilmington, and we've got news about several planned new locations for Cape Fear Seafood Company. A movie with a Wilmington connection is coming to the Disney+ streaming service. "Not Just a Goof," a documentary about animated Disney film "A Goofy Movie," will hit Disney+ on Monday, April 7. The producer of "Not Just a Goof" is Scott Seibold, a native of Wilmington, and he fell in love with film right here in the Port City. 'Not Just a Goof': Wilmington native lands making-of documentary about a beloved 'Goofy' film on Disney+ A star of red-hot HBO Max drama "The White Lotus" has been in Wilmington making a movie. We've got words and pics. Plus, a Wilmington singer makes it to the brink of elimination on "American Idol," and more development is heading to Carolina Beach Road. Brooke Renshaw: Wilmington singer makes it to the brink of elimination on 'American Idol' For updates to food and entertainment stories, follow us on Facebook at Forward this newsletter to family and friends. They can sign up here. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What do in Wilmington for the 2025 NC Azalea Festival
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spring lights to illuminate Battleship NC for the Azalea Festival. Here's when to see it
Battleship North Carolina is ready to get into the N.C. Azalea Festival spirit. The USS North Carolina Battleship Commission, in partnership with the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina, announced that the Battleship will be lit to impress with spring colors to celebrate the festival, according to a news release. Here's what to know. The Battleship's uplighting takes center stage throughout the extended weekend from Thursday, April 3-Sunday, April 6, from 7:30-9 p.m. The best place to enjoy the uplighting is from across the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Viewers and photographers on the Riverwalk, as well as the hospitality locations in downtown Wilmington, will have prime locations to enjoy the illuminated Battleship. Look for pops of pink, purple, and yellow to highlight the Battleship's historic silhouette. "As the official sponsors of the Azalea Festival fireworks, we are honored to contribute extra brilliance for the event series," said Dr. Jay Martin, Executive Director, Battleship North Carolina Memorial, in a news release. "Seeing the uplighting in-person is a memorable experience for both locals and visitors, so we are thankful for our outstanding partners with the Azalea Festival." Battleship grounds, parking lot, and SECU Walkway are closed every day at 5 p.m. and will be closed during lighting. Saturday's Boom & Bloom Fireworks Bonanza is a ticketed event. No outside parking will be available, with grounds and walkway closed. Battleship North Carolina is a decommissioned World War II warship, permanently moored as a memorial and state historic site on the Cape Fear River at Wilmington. The Battleship commemorates the heroism of U.S. sailors and soldiers from North Carolina during World War II. Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Battleship NC in Wilmington to get uplighting for Azalea Festival
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
50 great concerts to see in the Wilmington area during April
Welp, it would appear that peak concert season in Wilmington has finally arrived. As you'll see from the epic list below, I guess it could get busier, but I'm not sure how. And this is only scratching the surface. Be sure to check the weekly events roundup I do every Wednesday for even more concerts and entertainment options. If you're looking to plan out beyond this month, check out our list of upcoming 2025 Wilmington-area concerts, link below. Live tunes: 37 concerts to see in the Wilmington area during March April 2 at the Brooklyn Arts Center: Grammy-winning New Orleans jazz band has been the real deal for more than 40 years, blending traditional jazz with funk, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop and more. April 2 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: A founder of legendary New Orleans funk band The Meters, Porter is a legit legend. With opening act Marvelous Funkshun. April 3 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Country music star headlines concert for the N.C. Azalea Festival. Opening act is North Carolina's own Kameron Marlowe. April 3 at the Cameron Art Museum: As part of the Jazz at CAM series, the The Jazz Legacy Project presents God Bless the Child, a tribute to the legendary Billie Holiday featuring Maria Howell. April 4 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist will headline a Friday night concert for the Azalea Festival. April 4 at Kenan Auditorium: Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist is known for channeling various genres of blues into new forms that pay homage to the music's past while looking to its future. April 4 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Austin, Texas, multi-instrumentalist mixes funk and R&B with hip-hop and electronic styles. With North Carolina musician Phyphr and Wilmington DJ Froggy P. April 4 at The Palm Room: Reggae band got its start in Virginia in 2021, and reformed with local members when singer Tom Leighton moved to Wilmington in 2023. April 4 at Satellite Bar & Lounge: Album release show for "11 Short Fictions," poppy rock act Kicking Bird's new record on Wilmington's Fort Lowell Records. Album single "What Did You Expect (with Such A Beautiful Wife)" will appear on upcoming Amazon Prime Video Show "The Runarounds." With fellow Fort Lowell recording artists Tercel, a socially conscious Wilmington punk act. 'The Runarounds': Will an Amazon Prime Video show provide a needed spotlight for Wilmington music? April 4 at Bourgie Nights: Monthly jazz concert with The Jim Ferris Trio has become a local tradition. Get some. April 5 in the Brooklyn Arts District: It's the 10th year for this massive, day-long festival that brings close to 100 artists from Wilmington and around the region to over a dozen venues along and adjacent to North Fourth Street. One of Wilmington's finest moments. April 5 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Free, day-long concert featuring Wilmington bands and musicians as part of the N.C. Azalea Festival. Acts include young rockers Audiomelt, the "hike rock" indie folk of La Veta Pass, and the pop covers of all-woman band The Hot Flashes. April 5 at The Sandspur: Multi-band show at this great Carolina Beach spot for live tunes is the after-party for a skateboarding event at taco shop Nollies. With a hard-rocking lineup of Wilmington acts that includes Evening Shadows, The Girls and Yule, with a DJ set by the legendary Valiant Himself of Valiant Thorr. April 6 at Beckwith Recital Hall: Internationally known concert pianist will perform works by Scarlatti, Schumann and Rachmaninoff for a show presented by the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Music. April 6 at Live at Ted's: Nashville singer has won acclaim for her heartfelt mix of country, folk and pop. A strong voice singing heartening songs. April 10 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Folk duo with the name of a reggae band kicks off the concert season at this beloved lakeside venue. April 10 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Hard-touring jam band with a throwback '60s sound has played venues all over the country, including Red Rocks in Colorado. April 11 at CFCC Wilson Center: Rescheduled performance of last year's hurricane-delayed concert by Sam Beam, the South Carolina songwriter who performs his lush indie-folk songs under the name Iron & Wine. April 11 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Freewheeling Americana band Shadowgrass teams up with Denver's Clay Street Unit. April 11 at Bourgie Nights: Charleston band has a poppy, jazzy, off-kilter sound that's as infectious as it is idiosyncratic. With Wilmington songwriters Bella Peadon and Caroline Lemley. April 11 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: California reggae-rock band evokes such acts as Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter. Summer vibes. April 11 at Live at Ted's: Folk duo will lay down some of its starkly gorgeous tunes in this Wilmington listening room. April 12 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Double bill of up-and-coming country artists. Smith got an American Country Music Award nomination for New Male Artist of the Year in 2024, while Marlowe is starting to make waves in Nashville after growing up in Stateboro, Georgia. April 12 at Bourgie Nights: Energetic, horn-infused ensemble plays what it calls "psychedelic Latin fusion" and is touring in support of a new album, "Luna." April 12 at Live at Ted's: Singer brings his delicate, deeply felt folk tunes to this Castle Street listening room. With opening act Andrew Delaney. April 15 at CFCC Wilson Center: Grammy-nominated singer is touring in support of her most recent album, "You Still Got Me," her follow-up to 2022's "A Tribute to Led Zeppelin." April 16 at Brooklyn Arts Center: Longtime jam band has grown a following with their quick-shuffling blend of rock, funk, jazz, reggae and more. April 17 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Folk-rock artist with a groovy vibe and a positive message might bust out his didgeridoo for his Wilmington show. April 17 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Honky tonk duo brings their classic country-inspired songs to the Reggie's midtown rock club. With Joe Copple and Spider Bucket. April 18 at Bourgie Nights: Theatrical singer who grew up in Wilmington (as Dylan Linehan) before going on to tour with Grammy-winning rock act Ghost provides a sneak peek at her new show. "A Night in the Vortex" is a deeply personal "rock popera" that journeys from the depths of her soul to outer space and back again. April 19 at Thalian Hall: Ukulele band starts with Hawaiian music before blending in rock, reggae, blues and more. April 19 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: South Carolina blues rocker King is touring on the strength of his latest album, 2024's "Mood Swings." April 19 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Asheville super-group blends funk and other styles with electronic music, and is comprised of members of bands who've visited Wilmington many times: Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Fritz, Empire Strikes Brass and the Marcus King Band. April 19 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Big, loud metal show headlined by the bone-crunching band Homicydes. With The Eighth Circle, Necrocosom, Donnybrook and SwampRaptor. April 20 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Williams, who toured for years as a multi-instrumental one-man band, plays a special Sunday show of "Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia songs performed in the style of Black gospel music." With opening act Gibb Droll, who used to be a Wilmington regular back in the days of bygone club The Mad Monk. April 20 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: New Jersey jam band blends a variety of styles, including funk, rock, reggae and psychedelia, into a dancy sonic stew. With opening act The Wright Ave. April 22 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Animal Liberation Orchestra, or ALO for short, is set to release new album "Frames" for Bushfire Records on April 4. The band blends rock, pop, R&B, folk, funk and more, with new single "Space Between Frames" taking on a bit of a disco vibe. April 24 at The Palm Room: After a sold-out Wilmington show at Live at Ted's in March, Virginia Americana act named a "band to watch" by NPR Music comes to Wrightsville Beach in support of debut album "Restless," which pairs "queer" themes (the band's term) with traditional sounds. April 24 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Young singer brings his appropriately titled "Cold Beer & Country Music Tour" to town for the first show of 2025 at Wilmington's biggest venue. April 24 at Thalian Hall: Tribute band brings a Led Zeppelin show to the main stage of Wilmington's most historic theater. April 25 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Wilmington band and music school will show off some of the best talent that the Port City has to offer, including Oc3ans, Grom & The Jacks, Loud Kids and more. April 25 at Live at Ted's: Jazz combo is masterful at creating a thoughtfully laid-back vibe, with tunes that are almost visually evocative. April 26 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Last time beloved fiddler and roots singer was in town, she sang with Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame. This time, she'll have her band in tow, along with top-notch dobro player Jerry Douglas and Willie Watson of the Old Crow Medicine Show. April 26 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: L.A. indie pop band brings its Symphony in the Sky Tour to GLA. April 26 at Thalian Hall: Legendary singing group formed in 1953 and is known for such hits as "Under the Boardwalk" and "This Magic Moment." Current iteration of The Drifters is associated with the family of original Drifters manager George Treadwell, which owns the rights to the group's name. You might not know the names of the singers on stage, but you'll know the songs they sing. April 26 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: After a packed-out Bowstring show in 2024, the proggy jam band returns to the Soda Pop District hotspot. April 26 at Long Leaf Park: Wilmington enviro-punk band will be on hand to rock the Wilmington Earth Day Festival. April 26 at Live at Ted's: Nashville singer plays soulful country and folk that often addresses personal struggles many of us face. Her most recent album, "Here I Am," dropped on Mule Kick Records in 2024. April 27 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: California singer and songwriter who blurs the lines between folk, pop and other genres began to get his original work noticed after his cover of a Tyler Childers song was streamed 100 million times online. April 27 at CFCC Wilson Center: Wilmington vocal group celebrates its 75th year with a concert billed "Sing On! Welcomes, Blessings & Benedictions." With music from Broadway's "Carousel," "The Sound of Music" and more. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Top concerts in Wilmington, NC, for April 2025
