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PCJ Wed Aug 20: Michael Franti returns to Wilmington as questions rise

PCJ Wed Aug 20: Michael Franti returns to Wilmington as questions rise

Franti’s scheduled shows land amid serious allegations.

Jason @ Port City Pulse
August 20, 2025

Michael Franti is set to perform Sept. 11–12 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, a venue he’s played many times before. But this visit is different. Without mentioning him by name, fellow artist Victoria Canal recently alleged that Franti groomed her when she was 19, and others have since shared similar stories. The claims, along with Franti’s response are unfolding publicly on Instagram and raise questions about whether the community will embrace him with the same warmth as in years past.

It will be interesting to see how Franti addresses the claims made against him during his Greenfield Lake concerts.

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Summerween Twisted Carnival

FRI AUG 22: 8:00-midnight @ Barzarre - ILM
This ain’t your average Halloween. We're flipping the freak show and bringing the spooky season early—Summerween is coming to Barzarre in Wilmington, NC for a night of twisted fun, freaky beats, and carnival chaos under the summer moon $20

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Belly Dancer Showcase

SAT AUG 23: 8:30-11PM @ Barzarre - ILM
A cabaret style performance in a chill Bohemian setting , featuring performers of various Belly Dance Styles. Social, energetic, and fun experience. Live percussionists enhance the performances. $10

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Live Music

Wednesday

Open Mic	7:00-10:00 PM @ Celtic Monkey - ILM
Queer Open Mic and Talent Show	7:00 PM @ The Roasted Bookery - ILM
Hump Day Ham Jam	8:00 PM-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - ILM
Chris Duarte Group	8:00 PM @ The Rusty Nail - DT
Open Mic Night	9:00 PM - Midnight @ Bottega - BAD
Josh Starkey	9:00 PM - Midnight @ Katy's Grill & Bar- ILM

Thursday

Open Mic with Chris Nash	5-8:00 PM @ LIV DBD - ILM
Open Mic	6:30-9:30 PM @ Wilmington Wine - ILM
Open Mic	6:00 PM @ Grinders - ILM
Thursday Night Live	6:00-8:00 PM @ South Front Tavern - ILM
Live at Cam Cafe	6:00 PM @ Cameron Art Museum - ILM
Zoso Led Zeppelin Tribute	7:00 PM @ Bowstring - SPD
Drum Circle	7:00 PM @ Bottega - ILM
Open Mic	7-10:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD
Roots & Boots	7:30 PM @ The Wilson Center - CFCC
Open Mic with Delia Stanley	8-11:00 PM @ Tapyard - CD
Jesse Stockton	8-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT
John Hussmann	9:00 PM - Midnight @ Katy's Grill & Bar- ILM

FRIDAY

Wes Sayer Live Music	4-7:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT
Live Music	6:00 PM @ Hi-Wire - LIM
Good Vibrations: Songwriter Showcase	6:00 PM @ Bourgie Nights - ILM
Sons of Paradise w/Lua Flora & Preston Coley	6:00 PM @ Reel Café - DT
Nate Van Winkle & The Cape Fear Riders	7:00 PM @ The Eagle's Dare - DT
Doug McFarland	7:00 PM @ Cloud 9 - ILM
Free Jazz Friday	7-10:00 PM @ Bottega Wine Bar & Art Gallery - DT
Open Mic	8-11:00 PM @ Rooted Kava
Soup to Nuts w/ Admiral Radio	8:00 PM @ Live at Teds - ILM
Josh Starkey	9:00 PM @ Mad Katz - MJ
Open Mic Night Fridays	9:00 PM @ Bottega - ILM

Don’t forget: Tonight’s The Penguin 22nd Birthday Celebration is going down at Savard Beer and Board — it’s going to be a blast! Just double-check that the party’s still on before heading out — Hurricane Erin’s weather may shake things up.

-Jason