Second Season of the Wonder Series at the Wilson Center

The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College is excited to debut the second season of the Wonder Series, a curated collection of awe-inspiring and unique shows. The Wonder Series offers a $10.00 ticket for students of all ages that can be applied to ANY seat in the house.

This season’s lineup includes Portraits of Aretha, Ofrenda: A Dia de lose Muertos Celebration, The John Brown Big Band featuring Nnenna Freelon, Beijing Dance Theater, and Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas. The Wonder Series will continue to add performances throughout the season.

“We are proud to be a hub for student learning,” said Shane Fernando, Former CFCC Vice President of Advancement and Arts. “With this series, we’ve made it affordable and accessible for students to experience the performing arts in Wilmington. The Wonder Series brings national and international acts together for a culturally enriching experience that guests of all ages can enjoy.”

Purchasing tickets to three or more shows in the Wonder Series guarantees a 10% discount on adult tickets. Tickets will be available to Wilson Center Members beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023. Tickets may be purchased online at www.WilsonCenterTickets.com or by contacting the Ticket Central Box Office. Ticket Central is open for telephone and in-person sales from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket Central can be reached by phone at 910.362-7999.

Portrait of Aretha

October 26, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of popular and lesser-known songs from Aretha Franklin’s iconic career. An award-winning songstress in her own right, Ms. Teneal has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards and claimed the title for 2011 Best R&B Album and 2018 Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song.

Ofrenda: A Dia de los Muertos Celebration

October 28, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with the nation’s premier Mexican folk-dance company, Ballet Folkloric de Los Āngeles, and the musicians of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuēllar. Ofrenda pays tribute to the traditional music and dances from different regions in Mexico, including “La Bruja” from Veracruz and “Retablo Purēpecha” from the state of Michoacān, along with music from the Disney movie Coco.

The John Brown Big Band featuring Nnenna Freelon

November 4, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

The largest orchestration of John Brown Big Band’s impressive career comes to the Wilson Center’s stage. This large-jazz ensemble, comprised of top musicians, specializes in traditional compositions with cutting-edge arrangements. Globally lauded Grammy-nominated jazz singer widely acclaimed for her prowess as a live performer, Nnenna Freelon, will also be performing with the band to create an evening not to be missed.

Beijing Dance Theater

November 9, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 2008 and led by artistic director/choreographer Wang Yuanyuan, the Beijing Dance Theater has secured its reign on China’s dance stage with stunning dance productions. An absolute star in the contemporary cultural landscape of China, Beijing Dance Theater continues to tour across the globe to packed houses and stellar reviews.

Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas

December 6, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Brought to you by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Navidad celebrates the holiday traditions experienced by a young person of Mexican immigrant parents growing up in New York City. The story is told using the languages of dance, music, and the Mexican-American spirit and connects to audiences through the universal messages of love and hope.