WILMINGTON, NC – The North Carolina Azalea Festival is excited to announce its full Miller Lite Main Stage Concert Series lineup for 2017. Country artist Cole Swindell with opening acts Michael Ray and CJ Solar will take the stage on Thursday, April 6th; legendary band Duran Duran will perform on Friday, April 7th; and Jason Derulo with Morris Day and The Time will finish out the Miller Lite Main Stage Concert Series on Saturday, April 8th.
Cole Swindell with Michael Ray and CJ Solar
You may know Cole Swindell from his most recent No. 1 new single “Middle of a Memory” or his career-defining single “You Should Be Here.” The Georgia native is an up-and-coming country music star with numerous accolades in his young career, including 2016 NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year, 2015 ACM New Artist of the Year, and was the only performer to claim the CMA’s “Triple Play Award” for having at least three No. 1 songs in 2015.
Opening for Cole Swindell, Michael Ray is an artist with true country roots and an authenticity that’s difficult to find. Originally from Florida, Ray built up a strong following in his home state before moving to Nashville for a record deal and a contract. Also opening is artist CJ Solar with his critically acclaimed solo EP Hard One To Turn Down. Named one of the “New Artists You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone Country, Solar is a healthy blend of southern rock and country music.
Cole Swindell with opening acts Michael Ray and CJ Solar will be on the Miller Lite Main Stage on Thursday, April 6th. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 28th at 9:00AM through the North Carolina Azalea Festival website, and on Monday, January 30th at 9:00AM at the Azalea Festival Ticket Office. Tickets are $38.50 and will increase to $48.50 the day of the show.
Duran Duran with Special Guest
Duran Duran is a musical group with roots in Birmingham, England and an illustrious musical journey since their debut album in 1981. Their stylish, experimental pop music has entertained crowds for decades; the North Carolina Azalea Festival is thrilled to bring such an iconic group to Wilmington for the Festival.
Duran Duran will be performing on the Miller Lite Main Stage on Friday, April 7th. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 28th at 9:00AM through the North Carolina Azalea Festival website, and on Monday, January 30th at 9:00AM at the Azalea Festival Ticket Office. Tickets are $68.50 and will increase to $78.50 the day of show.
Jason Derulo with Special Guests Morris Day and the Time
Singer, songwriter, and dancer – Jason Derulo has come a long way since writing songs for pop icons such as Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Sean Kingston, and others. He is a five-time winner at the BMI Pop Awards and was honored in 2011 as its “Songwriter of the Year.” The Miami native’s song “Want To Want Me” has become the most added track in the history of Top 40 radio, besting the records of pop royalty such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Madonna and Katy Perry.
Opening for Jason Derulo is Morris Day and the Time. With his dynamic dancing and smooth yet gutsy vocals, Morris Day and the Time played an essential role in the development of the Twin City dance/club sound of the 1980s. A founding member of Prince’s band, the Time, he remained with the group from 1981 until 1984, when he launched his solo career. Returning again in 1988, he also performed and recorded with the Time from 1990 until 1991 and then after 1995.
Jason Derulo with Special Guests Morris Day and the Time will be performing on the Miller Lite Main Stage on Saturday, April 8th. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 28th at 9:00AM through the North Carolina Azalea Festival website, and on Monday, January 30th at 9:00AM at the Azalea Festival Ticket Office. Tickets are $62.50 and will increase to $72.50 the day of show.
About the Venue
The Miller Lite Main Stage is located at 701 N. Front Street Wilmington NC 28401 (adjacent to the Schwartz Center). Gates will open two hours prior to show time (subject to change).
Parking
Parking Decks:
- The City’s Market Street Deck, 2nd Street Deck, and County parking decks will be $7/day to park; cash and bank cards accepted. One should anticipate possible delays upon entry and exit during high-volume times
- Market Street Parking Deck – 115 Market Street (Intersection of Market and 2nd Streets)
- 2nd Street Parking Deck – 114 North 2nd Street (Between Chestnut and Princess Streets)
- Library Parking Deck – 200 N. 2nd Street
- Cape Fear Community College Parking Decks – cash only
- Nutt Street Deck
- Hanover/3rd Street Deck (limited public parking available at this lot – this will be the first lot to fill during the Concerts)
Street Parking
Meters: $1.25/hr (Parking meters are free after 6:30 PM on Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday during Azalea Festival weekend).
Weather
All concerts are outdoor, rain or shine. In the event of rain, we advise ponchos and rain boots – no umbrellas will be allowed inside the venue. In the event of beautiful weather, we advise sunglasses and sunscreen.
Refund Policy
There will be no refunds. In the event the show is canceled due to extreme weather or artist cancellation, refunds will be processed within two weeks of the original show date.
Merchandise
North Carolina Azalea Festival merchandise will be sold at the concerts. The availability of artist merchandise depends on the artist and will be for sale separately.
Entry & Re-Entry
Upon entry, all handbags will be inspected. This is to ensure the safety of all our guests, and we would appreciate your cooperation with our team. There is no re-entry allowed. The concert venue has restrooms as well as food and beverage, including alcoholic beverages, available for sale. Credit cards will be accepted.
Accessibility
All concerts are outdoor, standing room only. The venue is a paved, fenced-in area with a natural slope down to the stage. We don’t advise bringing blankets or anticipating being able to sit on the ground due to safety precautions. We acknowledge the special needs and challenges of some of our guests, and guests requiring special needs should notify the box office when purchasing tickets.
Children
Children of all ages will be permitted into the concert venue. Each person will need a concert ticket regardless of age, and we have that in place for safety purposes.
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is not responsible for children at the concert, and please note that strollers are not permitted inside the venue.
Prohibited Items
- Chairs
- Backpacks
- Umbrellas
- Any and all weapons/knives, etc.
- Laser pointers
- Coolers
- Illegal and prescription drugs
- Pets
- Alcohol
- Water Bottles
- Fireworks/explosives
- Skateboards, bikes, scooters, etc.
- Strollers
- Outside food or drink
- Drones
- Professional videography and/or photography
Medical & Safety
Trained EMTs will be on-hand to address any and all medical incidents, and please don’t be afraid to ask for help from a staff member of volunteer – even if you just have a question. Additionally, if you see anyone who appears to be in need of medical assistance, please inform a member of our medical or security team. Police officers will be at the venue to ensure guest safety.
Food & Drinks
There will be food vendors inside the concert venue, as well as beverage tents with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Food and beverage is available for credit card purchase, and a proper ID is required for all alcohol purchases.
Updates
Stay tuned to our social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – for any concert updates. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@ncazaleafestival.org (please note that during the concerts, our staff will not be able to answer your email right away). You can also call the Azalea Festival Ticket Office at (910) 794-4650 with any
questions or concerns before the concert during normal business hours Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM. You can find our staff and/or volunteers at the venue throughout the entirety of the show should you need immediate assistance.
About the North Carolina Azalea Festival
Since its inception in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has blossomed into an extended weekend celebration that attracts more than 300,000 people and generates more than $51 million for the local economy. The Festival showcases our community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events.
For more information on the upcoming 70th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, visit www.ncazaleafestival.org or contact Executive Director Alison Baringer at alison@ncazaleafestival.org or (910) 216-9400.
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The North Carolina Azalea Festival Thanks Its Sponsors
Belk
Miller Lite
Hilton Wilmington Riverside
Wells Fargo
Duke Energy
LM Restaurants
Wilmington Convention Center
Bud Light
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
UNC Wilmington
BB&T
Lowes Foods
PPD
Wilmington Health
Coastal Children’s Services
BlueCross and BlueShield of NC
Coca-Cola
Corning
MassMutual Financial Group
North Carolina Ports
ONEHOPE Wine
Parkway of Wilmington
PNC
SEPI Engineering & Construction
Chart Local
RV Transportation Provided by Rex and Sons RV’s
