By: John Pollock

From big shows to small shows, indoors to outdoors, and the socially conscious to just plain fun, music abounds as students return to school, and tourists pack up their floaties and head out of town. Here’s a look at some of the exciting events coming to Wilmington and the surrounding areas this fall:

WE Fest Fridays
Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28
After its biggest year yet, The Wilmington Exchange Festival (WE Fest, for short) is coming to the Soapbox every month starting this fall for a Friday celebration of art, music, film and literature leading up to the main spring event. Last May WE Fest saw record numbers of performers and attendants as music of all kinds poured through the Soapbox’s four floors. Tons of free stuff was given away, friends were made, and asses were shook at DJ Sergio Bastida’s Saturday night dance party.

Back by popular demand, WE Fest will now rock the Soapbox in all its glory once a month for the same awesome cover charge of $1. Founder and organizer Kenyata Sullivan is excited to see his pet project expand, and hopes that more and more locals will get involved. “We’re reaching out to all these different people in the community who are critics, activists, musicians and businesses, too, and letting them pick the bands,” Sullivan says about booking for the upcoming events. The bills aren’t yet set in stone, but one thing is for sure: Folks will get their money’s worth.

With three full bands, one sick DJ and one acoustic act every Friday, there will definitely be something for everyone at WE Fest Fridays. In addition to all the music, there will be art and films on display, as well as free records and literature to be given away.

UNCW Events
Oct. 18th & Nov. 10th
For those who enjoy a more classical flavor, the Wilmington Concert Association and UNCW are hosting a number of engaging, high-quality musical events this fall that shouldn’t be missed. For example, our own Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the concert in which Beethoven premiered his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies—apparently they went over pretty well. Single tickets are $22 for first reserved, $20 for second reserved and $4 for youth under 17, available through Kenan Auditorium at 962-3500.

The Vienna Boy’s Choir has been performing all around the world for about 500 years, only slightly longer than the Rolling Stones. One of the most famous singing groups in the world, they’ve become a symbol of Austrian pride and a benchmark of musical excellence. They perform at 8pm, Saturday, October 18th, in Kenan Auditorium. Tickets are $50 for regular admission and $20 for students.

Another one of Europe’s most famous musical acts, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, will make a once-in-a-lifetime performance under the artistic direction of Maestro Antoni Wit. The Polish outfit, which has performed over 100 shows on five continents, will take the stage at 8pm, Monday, November 10th.
Check out the association’s full schedule of concerts at www.wilmingtonconcert.com.

Benefit for Downtown Safety
Sept. 19th
Wilmington’s busiest underground promoter and musician, Charlie Smith, had a personal connection with a young woman who was recently assaulted viciously in the downtown area. The attack, which spurred heavy media coverage, prompted Smith to help by doing what he does best: bringing people together through music.

On Friday, September 19th, The Soapbox will host the Benefit for Downtown Safety, featuring music by MindsOne, Monkey Knife Fight, The Speed Kings, In Check Productions, Mortal Man and others yet to be announced. In addition to a great night of diverse live music, there will be a surfboard raffle as well as other giveaways from event sponsors. Ticket prices, show time, and a full list of sponsors are available at soapboxlaundrolounge.com.

The House of Blues
Myrtle Beach
Oct. 4th
Kicking off the fall concert season for the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach was My Morning Jacket on August 31st (and what a show it was!). Their season continues to rev up with the The Black Keys, a band with one of the freshest takes on blues to date, coming through Myrtle Beach on Saturday, October 4th. Music from their latest album, Attack and Release, will ring through rafters.

Produced by Danger Mouse of Gnarles Barkley, the album represents The Black Keys most layered, funky blues fusion work of their career. Tickets for this show start around $20 and can be purchased at www.hob.com—or stay tuned to encore to win a pair!

Downtown Business Alliance Concerts
Every Fri.; Sat., Sept. 13th
The second installment of Downtown Sundown continues as the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) hosts the free outdoor series every Friday at Riverfront Park. From G ‘N’ R tribute act Appetite for Destruction, to James Brown tribute band The Big Payback, to original sounds with Barnraisers, L Shaped Lot and Hope Massive, autumn is looking rather cool and crisp. The concerts are always free, with beer and wine sold on the premises.

The DBA is also bringing to downtown a Red Stripe Roots & Reggae Festival on September 17th, also to be held at Riverfront Park. The event will be held 3-10pm on Saturday with the relaxing sounds of Culture, Jah Creation and more. Authentic Carribean cuisine and drink will also be sold, so prepare to be swooned.

Check the full list of DBA events at www.dbawilmington.com/events.

NATIONAL WOMEN IN BLUES
Sept. 26th-27th
The second annual National Women in Blues Festival gets underway Friday and Saturday, September 26th-27th. This year the events take place at the newly revamped Greenfield Lake Amphitheater—where the acoustics are completely wonderful—on Friday night, 6-11pm The sounds of Rose and Charlie Lucas—coined the “Grandparents of Blues” in Wilmington—will put on a short set, as Rose proves her music chops aren’t slowing down any time soon. Then, Gaye Adegbalola will do a two-act show, one featuring her narrated documentary, History of Women in Blues. Thereafter, she’ll perform for audiences in what’s sure to be a fiery concert.

Saturday’s show will highlight blues diva Candye Kane, which will be held downtown Wilmington at The Cellar, 35 North Front Street. There will also be a Blues Jam on Saturday afternoon at The Cellar, noon-5pm, hosted by Wilmington’s very own Michele and the Midnight Blues.

A guitar raffle will also take place at Finkelstein’s Music, 6 S. Front Street, where one lucky person will win a Ted Crocker Custom Built. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 (drawing Saturday). Tickets to the festival are $20 for Friday or Saturday, or $40 for weekend passes. Or purchase an Individual Sponsor pass for $100, which includes two weekend passes, with reserved seating both nights, and a perk bag of goodies. Contact festival producer Michele Seidman for a sponsorship: WilmywoodMayor@aol.com.

Additional reporting by Shea Carver