Things to Do for Jan. 17

THU., JAN. 17

Art Opening Reception: Features a solo exhibit by Gene Felice II, the Art Department’s newest faculty member who bridges his creative practice across art, science, education and design, 5:30-7 p.m. at UNCW Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Drive, Wilmington. Free admission. 910-962-3440.

"Mamma Mia!": By Opera House Theatre Co. "Mamma Mia!" (promoted as Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus' Mamma Mia!) is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the story of Bueno Sera, Mrs. Campbell, written by Dennis Norden, and based on the songs of ABBA. Featuring such hits as "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me" and more. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-18 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Tickets, $32. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.

MLK Celebration: Pot Luck for Peace (a YWCA event), 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington.

FRI., JAN. 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet will be held Jan. 18 at Hotel Ballast Wilmington, 301 N. Water St. Theme: “Stoney the Road We Trod." A "meet and greet will begin at 6:30 p.m. The plated dinner will be served beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $60. Tickets available at https://mlkjrcelebration-senc10.com/mlk%2C-jr-banquet.

TreeFest: Will be distributing bare-root tree seedlings and native grasses, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Jan. 18-19 (or until inventory is gone) at the JC Penney end court of Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive. There is a limit of five trees and/or grasses per household with a suggested donation of $3. Tree species include bald cypress, black walnut, buttonbush, chestnut oak, crape myrtle, longleaf pine, persimmon, pignut hickory, red maple, river birch, silky dogwood, swamp chestnut oak, white ash, and white oak. Grass species include Indian grass and little bluestem.

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