When I moved to Wilmington 20 years ago—20 years ago this March—people always asked the same question: How do you like your new hometown?
My answer never changed.
“Yeah, I love it here. This is it for me. I’ll retire here… but I do miss big concerts.”
And it was true. Wilmington has always had a great local music scene, packed with talented artists and intimate venues. But for a long time, many of the big-name acts seemed to skip right over us when planning their tours. If you wanted to see a legend live, chances were you’d be driving to Raleigh, Charlotte, or beyond.
That started to change when Live Oak Bank Pavilion opened.
Suddenly, Wilmington was no longer an afterthought on tour schedules. The acts got bigger, the crowds got louder, and the idea of seeing world-class performers right on the riverfront became our new reality. And now, one of the most iconic musicians of all time—someone who has always had Carolina on his mind—is coming to town.
James Taylor is bringing his music to Wilmington this September.
Taylor and his All-Star Band are set to perform at Live Oak Bank Pavilion on September 15, promising a night filled with timeless songs, unmistakable melodies, and the kind of live performance that feels both massive and deeply personal at the same time.
Presale tickets go on sale January 15 at 10 a.m., with regular ticket sales beginning January 16 at 10 a.m.
For those of us who once said, “I love Wilmington, but I miss big concerts,” this feels like a full-circle moment. Turns out, we don’t have to miss them anymore.