FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1907, American jazz pianist, arranger, and bandleader Eddie Wilcox was born in Method, North Carolina. Wilcox worked as the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra's chief arranger and co-founded a record label with tenor saxophonist Teddy McRae.

Hoping to hear some live jazz on New Year's Eve? Check out our winter concert preview in Top Stories for details.

Did your favorite college football team make it into a bowl? Let us know in today's poll.

Today's issue is a bit shorter than usual as the Flyover North Carolina team gets ready to greet the New Year next week. We'll return with our regular edition on Monday.

Today's sponsor is the Voice of Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

NC Teams Compete in Weekend Bowl Games

A full slate of bowl games is on deck this weekend, with three North Carolina teams playing Saturday—two of which face off against each other.

UNC plays UConn in the Fenway Bowl at 11 a.m. on Saturday in Boston's Fenway Park. The game airs on ESPN.

At 5:45 p.m., NC State takes on East Carolina in the Military Bowl in Annapolis' Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. That game also airs on ESPN.

Duke fans will have to wait until Jan. 2 for the Blue Devils matchup against Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl. That game is at 7:30 p.m. in Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium and will also air on ESPN.

New Year's Eve Concerts Across NC

Indoor venues across the state will host New Year's Eve concerts in nearly every music genre on Tuesday night, Dec. 31.

In Charlotte, The Voltage Brothers perform at Middle C Jazz at 7 and 10 p.m., and The Avett Brothers ring in the new year at Bojangles Coliseum starting at 8:30 p.m.

Big Something with Sneezy perform in Raleigh's Lincoln Theatre at 9 p.m.

In Asheville, RJD2 takes the stage at The Orange Peel at 9 p.m., joined by DJ Mad Mike and DJ Molly Parti. A mile away at the Grey Eagle, Electro Lust and Pink Beds perform at 9 p.m.

The Kitchen Dwellers are in Wilmington Dec. 30-31 at the Brooklyn Arts Center, kicking off both shows at 8 p.m.

In Fayetteville, Digable Planets and Arrested Development are on stage at the Night Circus: A District New Year's Eve Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. Looking for more shows? Click here.

Flying together with our sponsor

Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world's most hostile and restricted nations.

His mission? To meet the courageous men and women who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. Todd has traveled far and wide to hear their powerful stories firsthand and to bring their voices to the world, sharing their extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ Manteo: WinterLights at the Elizabethan Garden ends tomorrow at 9 p.m. Stroll through 10 acres of gardens illuminated with twinkling lights. Tickets range from $14-$22, and dogs are allowed for a $6 fee. (More)

➤ Wake County: The Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling Program mulches Christmas trees into fortifications for county parks and trails. Eight drop-off locations will accept trees through Jan. 28, except on Jan. 1. (See Locations)

➤ Triangle: A list of free and cheap New Year's Eve celebrations across the region compiled by Triangle on the Cheap includes family-friendly and adult-only events. (See List)

➤ Carolina Beach: The Island of Lights New Year's Eve event starts at 9 p.m. and features a giant beach ball drop, fireworks, a DJ, dancing, and refreshments. (More)

➤ Beaufort: Warm up by a fire pit while Captain Shack walks the plank and takes an icy pirate plunge at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 as part of the Buccaneers' New Year's Eve Pirate Drop. (More)

➤ Cape Lookout: Beginning on Jan. 4 at 10 a.m., reservations open for the Great Island Cabin Camp—a historic camp on South Core Banks accessible only by boat that operates March 13-Nov. 29, 2025. (More)

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