Wilmington’s live music scene is a mix of national touring acts, cover bands and a community of local musicians performing originals and covers across genres, including rock, country, indie, folk, bluegrass, hip-hop and punk. Yet it faces many of the same challenges as the live music industry nationwide. 

Delia Stanley is a local musician who performs solo on guitar and ukulele, plays as a duo with Shawn Pugh and fronts her own band, Delia & Friends, playing a mix of classic rock, ’90s jams, rock-infused pop and her original music. Stanley is also the host of local open mic nights and maintains a curated collection of resources for local musicians. 

“In my 10 years here, I have definitely seen a tilt away from original music,” Stanley said. “Musicians used to want to be like Striking Copper and singer/songwriter David Dixon, who perform original music.” 

She said now there are more tribute bands than original acts at some venues, which has “changed the face of the Wilmington music scene just a little bit.” 

Stanley believes that economics is driving some of that change. “People don’t buy tickets when the concern is housing affordability,” she said. “And when they do buy tickets, they are more willing to pay for something they know and love versus taking a chance on original music. Even mid-size bands and touring acts are seeing softer ticket sales.” 

It’s especially difficult for venues to make the bottom line and pay musicians fairly. Mac’s Speed Shop closed in 2023, and Bourbon Street closed in 2024. “I spent weekends performing and hosting open mics at Bourbon. When a place like that disappears, nothing comes along to replace it,” Stanley said. 

“There are only so many venues and so many gigs,” she added. 

Stanley hyped the variety of live music options available throughout Wilmington. “I think we’re a little spoiled in Wilmington. You can go downtown, walk the streets on any given weekend, and see five acts,” she said.  

She pointed to venues like Tempo 33, Waterline Brewing Co. and Live at Ted’s, all of which support local musicians and original music. Unconventional spaces such as Biggers Market host live music on weekends, and Duck & Dive Pub caters to the late-night crowd with music starting at 10 p.m.  

“It’s nice for musicians and service-industry folks who get off work later to still find live music,” Stanley said. 

Stanley said the Wilmington music community is remarkably collaborative.  

“One of my favorite things about open mic is meeting new musicians looking for their next venue,” she said. “Songwriters and musicians come out for inspiration, and they are genuinely excited for each other.” 

When he’s not teaching jazz history or conducting the jazz band at Cape Fear Community College, saxophonist Benny Hill (pictured at right, photo by Eric Vithalani) performs as a solo artist and as part of a trio and quartet at Doc’s at the Ivey. Hill has spent more than 20 years performing across the United States and abroad. Hill said collaboration is a driving force in the thriving jazz venues across Wilmington.  

“Venues like Fermental Beer & Wine, Bespoke, Dram Tree Tavern and The Blind Elephant Speakeasy are seeing a good mix of patrons of all ages,” he said. “The thing about jazz is you never know what you’re gonna get. Every night is different – the lineup of musicians is different, and so is the music. It’s a collaboration of various musicians and styles.” 

Chris Ponds, a vocalist for punk band ratqueen and a bassist for Neon Belly, manages the independent publication Immersed, which features musicians along the East Coast. She books hardcore and punk shows through her company, Bakery Booking.

“I have booked over 50 shows in Wilmington in the past three years and watched the music scene grow after being very dead,” she said. “Over time, we have grown a community of hundreds who come on a regular basis – locals, UNCW students and out-of-towners.” 

Like Stanley, Ponds sees venue options as a challenge.  

“We need more venues like Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern and The Rusty Nail. We’ve sold out at Reggie’s many times, but small venues often close from financial uncertainty,” she said. 

Ponds is planning to open her own brick-and-mortar venue and is currently building capital through The Porch | Coffee Cart, her business rooted in her 12 years of experience as a barista, combined with her culinary school background in pastry arts. 

The close-knit nature of the DIY punk community has helped sustain the genre’s momentum, she said. “When one local band releases music, all the other locals share it. Hardcore shows turn into EDM shows after midnight. It’s a melding of worlds, true community and connection. Everyone is rooting for art and music at the end of the day,” Ponds said. 

“We are a mixing pot with a wide diversity of music,” Stanley added. “And I appreciate that about Wilmington.” 

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