11 Wilmington-area concerts to see, Feb. 15-17
Emile Pandolfi
Piano-playing humorist Pandolfi has played the Wilmington area many times over the years. For this Valentine's-themed concert, he'll be performing a show dubbed “For the Love of Broadway" with singer Dana Russell in which they'll play songs from "My Fair Lady," "The King and I," "Phantom of the Opera," "Chicago" and other musicals. Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $22-$40, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285.
This Georgia native went from high school teacher to popular country recording artist. Following a 2003 debut release, Smith kept his day job until recording two more albums. For the self-made artist's 10th album, "While The Gettin' Is Good," he worked with Keith Stegall of the Zac Brown Band. With Kasey Tyndall. Details: 9 p.m. Friday, 145 Blue Creek School Road, Jacksonville. $20 in advance, $25 day of show.
Feb. 16 @ Ted's Fun on the River
Jim Nelson leads this New Orleans-style, piano-driven blues band, which plays original music and some covers. Details: 7-9 p.m., Friday, 2 Castle St., Wilmington. $3.
Sai Collins has performed in the area for years, solo or with a number of bands, including The Getaway Drivers. His music resonates regardless, due to an uplifting message, raspy singing and textured music. In Paleo Sun, the band plays what it calls "summer soul with an acoustic vibe" and they deliver original material along with a mixed bag of covers. Details: 6 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show, Friday, 319 Walnut St., Wilmington.
This Charlotte jam band formed in 1995 following the death of Jerry Garcia and continues to make slinky, heady rock music influenced by the Dead, Primus, Beck and more. Details: 10 p.m. Friday, 107 S. Front St., Wilmington.
Nathan Arizona and the New Mexicans
Feb. 17 @ Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern
North Carolina band's sound has been described as "punkadelic," a slow-burn combo of grungy riffing and buzzing grooves. It's like a psychedelic version of Nirvana with a Southern flair. With Street Clones, Kepone Cowboys and Sean & Her Dilemma. Details: 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, Saturday, 1415 S. 42nd St., Wilmington. $7.
Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos
Feb. 17 @ Watermans Brewing Company
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a gumbo party and live blues music. Melton, who's also a chef, merged his love for Chicago blues with Zydeco and Cajun music after visiting, then moving to, Louisiana many years ago. Now based in North Carolina, the band continues to make hearty, sultry music. Details: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, 1610 Pavilion Place, Wilmington.
Expect an intimate show with folk singer Frisina, and some colorful stories, too. Frisina released a great debut album last year, "Fences," highlighting a wiser-than-his-years voice and showcasing songs crafted with a storyteller's eye. Details: 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 E. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach
Dj GON and Reinhold
Komorebi Fire Arts will perform along with music by former Wilmington producer Dj GON and ambient material from Reinhold. Details: 10 p.m. Saturday, 1612 Castle St., Wilmington.
Michael Wolfe and the Wolfe Gang
Feb. 17 @ Ted's Fun on the River
Mississippi native and former merchant marine became a Wilmington staple long ago. With a warm voice and a storyteller's eye, Wolfe and his band play a mix of blues, jazz, rock and zydeco that kicks up its feet and feels down home. Details: 7-9 p.m., Saturday, 2 Castle St., Wilmington. $3.
Florida reggae band with funk influences plays music heavy on the horns, with songs that are soaked with pop sensibilities and a warm, danceable energy. Details: 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, Saturday, 1 S. Front St., Wilmington.
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