Wilmington Local Events Calendar

Friday, 03/04/2011 - Sunday, 02/05/2012

B.W. Wells: Pioneer Ecologist  Explore the breathtaking nature photography of ecologist B.W. Wells and discover his passion for the flora and fauna of the Lower Cape Fear region. Inspired in 1920 by the beautiful wildflowers of Pender County's Big Savannah, Wells dedicated himself to documenting NC's native plants. In this exhibit, the story of Wells' effort to preserve the Big Savannah is told through a wealth of stunning photographs he took of document his research. 910-798-4350 Cape Fear Museum 814 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.capefearmuseum.com

Wednesday, 11/30/2011 - Sunday, 04/01/2012

Penland School of Crafts: Evolution and Imagination  Craft is rooted in the fundamental human impulse to use mind and hands to transform basic materials into objects of beauty and utility. Penland School of Crafts located in western NC is an international leader in the evolution of craft education. Beginning in 1920 with the work of Lucy Morgan, one woman of great vision, Penland began as an educational experiment which continues today. This exhibition explores Penland then and now, featuring examples of some of the finest work in glass, ceramic, textiles, jewelry and other mediums in two- and three-dimension. 910.395.5999 Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 www.cameronartmuseum.com

Wednesday, 11/30/2011 - Sunday, 04/01/2012

Mark Peiser: Reflections on the Palomar Mirror  Honored as a 2011 North Carolina Living Treasure, glass artist Mark Peiser reinterprets the 1934 world event: the historic 20-ton glass casting of the 200-inch Hale Telescope mirror. In a second casting, this largest single piece of glass ever made is now a component of the Palomar Observatory in California. Peiser's contemporary glass sculptures quote the scale and honeycomb pattern of the legendary mirror; an advancement leading astronomers to the first direct evidence of stars in distant galaxies. 910.395.5999 Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 www.cameronartmuseum.com

Wednesday, 11/30/2011 - Sunday, 04/01/2012

Murrinis Within a Crystal Matrix: The Poetic Glassworks of Richard Ritter  Honored as a 2011 North Carolina Living Treasure, glass artist Richard Ritter is celebrated in this exhibition revealing his complex "murrini" process; a technically intensive development of complex patterns and decorations. Murrinis first reached a high level of sophistication in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and are still seen in the millefiori glass of Italy today. 910.395.5999 Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 www.cameronartmuseum.com

Saturday, 01/21/2012 - Sunday, 01/22/2012

4th Annual Cold Stroke Classic  Featureing a 3.5-mile Recreational course or 7-mile Elite course with a cash purse and prizes for winner. The event also includes a SUP race clinic, manufacturer's expo with demonstrations, live entertainment and a banquet. For registration, accommodation, banquet, clinic and race details, visit www.coldstrokeclassic.com Blockade Runner Resort 275 Waynick Blvd Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 www.coldstrokeclassic.com

Saturday, 01/21/2012 10:00 AM - Sunday, 01/22/2012 4:00 PM

147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher  "The Lights of the Great Armada: 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher." The Battle of Fort Fisher was the largest amphibious operation of the Civil War. Topics include the Union Navy & Marine Corps operations, Confederate sailors and marines. Free. 910.458.5538 or email fisher@ncdcr.gov  Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm

Saturday, 01/21/2012 8:00 PM

New York Voices  Thalian Hall welcomes the Grammy-winning vocal jazz quartet synonymous with exquisite airtight musical perfection. Like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Singers Unlimited and Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices is heralded among the stellar vocal groups on the globe, infusing jazz, Brazilian, R&B, big band, classical and pop arrangements with unequalled musical brilliance. Box Office: 910.632.2285; 800.523.2820 Thalian Hall Main Stage 310 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.thalianhall.org

Sunday, 01/22/2012 3:00 PM - Monday, 01/23/2012

Pied Piper Theatre: Aladdin  This well-loved tale of a very special genie with a very special lamp, permits the whole family to travel together through a very magical bazaar -- all the way to Aladdin's magic cavern. Box Office: 910.632.2285; 800.523.2820 Thalian Hall Main Stage 310 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.thalianhall.org

Friday, 01/27/2012 10:00 AM - Sunday, 01/29/2012 5:00 PM

NC Jr. Sorosis Antique Show & Sale  The Show & Sale features dealers with a large selection and diversity of antiques including furniture, jewelry, linens, paintings, porcelain, silver, glassware as well as other decorative arts. Admission tickets are $7. Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12noon-5pm. 910-799-1324 or email: info@ncsorosis.org  Coast Line Conference & Event Center 501 Nutt Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.ncsorosis.org

Friday, 01/27/2012 8:00 PM

Dad's Garage Improv Theatre  Think SNL with your input. The show goes at a hysterical pace and induces nonstop belly laughs. If the idea of a completely unscripted evening of theatre scares you, there's no need to worry as it's taken Dad's Garage years to learn how to be this reckless in front of other people. It's wildly smart comedy from the funniest people in Atlanta, proving that city's improv is "second" to none. The night could get raucous. Box Office: 910-632-2285 or 800-523-2820. $25/20/14 Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut St Wilmington, NC 28401 www.thalianhall.org

Saturday, 01/28/2012 - Sunday, 01/29/2012

2012 Home EXPO & Remodeling Show  With more than 80 exhibitors offering the latest in home improvement products and services including the latest ways to make your living space more eco friendly. The EXPO also includes seminars with tips on reducing energy costs, gardening and more! FREE. Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4. For more info call 910-799-2611. CFCC Schwartz Center 601 N. Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.wilmingtonhomeexpo.com

Saturday, 01/28/2012 10:00 AM - Sunday, 01/29/2012 4:00 PM

Cape Fear Model Railroad Show & Sale, 15th Annual  The show will feature model railroad dealers as well as "O", 027, "G" and "HO" scale modular layouts. Free clinics by Tom Staley from "Tom's Train Station", Cary, NC, door prizes and raffles. Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Tickets are $5 adults; $3 children; 5 and under free. For more information call 910.270.2696 or 910.371.9595. American Legion Post 10 702 Pinegrove Road Wilmington, NC 28409 www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org

Saturday, 01/28/2012 11:00 AM

Step Up for Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-Off  25 teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they've helped a good cause. Admission is free. Tickets can be purchased to sample the BBQs after the double-blind judging is completed. There will be music, raffles, arts and crafts vendors and additional food and drink for purchase. Gates open at 11am and prizes awarded at 2pm. 910-547-0087 Carolina Beach Lake Park Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Thursday, 02/02/2012 - Saturday, 02/04/2012

NC Jazz Festival, 32nd Annual  This is one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast and a STS Top 20 Event. We will open Thursday night featuring 3 hours of different styles of jazz. Friday and Saturday nights we will return to our 7 sets of traditional jazz with a different leader for each set. Our all-star musicians are all world renowned and include guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, Dion Tucker on trombone, vocalist Nicki Parrott, John Royen, a powerful pianist from New Orleans. For additional festival information and reservations 910-793-1111 or ncjazzfest@yahoo.com Hilton Wilmington Riverside 301 N. Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.ncjazzfestival.com

Thursday, 02/02/2012 - Sunday, 02/05/2012

To Kill a Mockingbird  To Kill a Mockingbird was first published in 1960 winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. It was adapted for the screen, winning Oscars for the script and for Gregory Peck (best actor in a leading role). Now, the Thalian Assocations presents this popular stage version which continues to be one of the most inspiring of the American classics addressing the themes of racial injustice and the loss of innocence. Thur-Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. Box Office: 910-632-2285; 800-523-2820. Thalian Hall Main Stage 310 Chestnut Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.thalian.org

Friday, 02/03/2012 - Sunday, 02/05/2012

Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival  Friday Night - Grand Tasting - Take your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for ampling and sale. Tickets: $40 in advance/$45 at door. Saturday & Sunday - Sip, Nibble & Sigh - enjoy a tasting tour of the best Caolina wineries, sampe sweet sensations from the region's signature chocolatiers and revel in the good things in life with demonstrations, informal talks, raffles and more chocolate! Tickets: $12 in advance ($11 for groups of 15 or more)/$15 at door. Hours: Fri 7:30-10, Sat 11-6, Sun noon-4. 910-512-9948, 910-742-0120. Coastline Conference & Event Center 505 Nutt Street Wilmington, NC 28401

Thursday, 02/09/2012 6:30 PM

Jazz at the CAM with Stardust  The winter jazz series returns with the collaboration between CAM and the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Hear the best mix of musicians and jazz genres in the area. Admission charged. Series and/or individual tickets are available. 910-395-5999 or www.capefearjazz.com Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 www.cameronartmuseum.com