5 best bets for weekend entertainment in northern Delaware

The craziness of meshing "CSI," Wilmington and Shakespeare into a comedic musical will be realized at the premier of "CSI Wilmington: To Be or Not" this weekend. And that's a tip of the iceberg.

Here are five nifty events for you to check out the next three days.

FRIDAY, NOV. 16

1. 3 bands at The Queen

For those of you with a sweet tooth for live music, the World Café Live at the Queen will be your candy land Friday night.

The Queen will feature indie-pop rock band The New Americans, along with the folksy Ballroom Thieves, and piano-rocker Noelle Picara and the Flat 2's.

The New Americans originated in Wilmington in 2011 and boast a dynamic sound. Meanwhile, the Ballroom Thieves are comprised of Massachusetts transplants who offer a wealth of energy, wit and talent during their shows. In January, the band released their EP, "The Devil & The Deep."

The feisty Picara is the bastard child of Ben Folds and Fiona Apple. Picara doesn't apologize for her conscious lyrics that touch on topics ranging from sexuality to war. She dropped her EP "Realer Than Reality" in 2011.

IF YOU GO

WHAT Ballroom Thieves, New Americans, and Noelle Picara and the Flat 2's

WHEN 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16

WHERE World Café Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington

COST $9

INFO worldcafelive.com or 994-1400

2. 'Led Zeppelin Experience'

Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, will pay tribute to his father during his concert "Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience," which will kickoff at The Grand Friday night.

The live show will reveal a journey that celebrates the life of the renowned and late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, via personal anecdotes narrated by Jason that weave through more than two hours of Zeppelin tunes, along with a backdrop of classic photos and video.

IF YOU GO

WHAT "Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience" concert

WHEN 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16

WHERE The Grand, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington

COST $37-$45

INFO thegrandwilmington.org or (1-800) 37-GRAND

SATURDAY, NOV. 17

3. 'CSI Wilmington' the musical

Brace yourself for the world premier of OperaDelaware Teen Opera Lab's new musical: "CSI Wilmington: To Be or Not" on Saturday night.

The family-friendly production is an exciting comedy involving the mysterious death of a Wilmington businessman and the evidence which may, or not, involve his brother-in-law, wife, his servants, a former business rival and a mysterious plant.

Based on William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," "CSI Wilmington" explores greed, family, and the relationship between a father and son.

IF YOU GO

WHAT "CSI Wilmington To Be or Not"

WHEN 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18

WHERE OperaDelaware, 4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington

COST $10 adults, $5 kids under 12

INFO operade.org or

4. Yuletide at Winterthur

Experience traditions of the past and dazzling entertaining displays in Wintherthur Garden, Museum & Library's special Yuletide tour on Saturday.

Winterthur will delight with visions of holidays of old and inspire you to create your own spectacular celebrations.

During Yuletide, you'll be transported to a 19th-century market square to see how preparations for winter festivities began. Whether you're taking in the breathtakingly decorated trees, or the winter wonderland of the garden, Yuletide will surely be a feast for the eyes.

IF YOU GO

WHAT Yuletide at Winterthur

WHEN 10-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17; Yuletide runs through Jan. 26

WHERE Winterthur, Garden, Museum & Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur

COST $20 adult; $5 child (ages 2-11); free for members

INFO winterthur.org or (1-800) 448-3883

SUNDAY, NOV. 18

5. Concert for Haiti

Sunday at the Arden Gild Hall, seven local bands will provide a full day of music to benefit the Haiti Family Initiative, enabling the organization to grow its wellness programs in Haiti.

The concert will feature tunes from Mallory Square, Dream Killers, Cameltones, Luke Dwornik, Sam Smick, Stump Junction and Bottled Quartet.

In addition, a silent auction will be held during the concert, which will include locally donated goods, services, original artworks, gift baskets, jewelry, a family photography session and much more.

IF YOU GO

WHAT Concert for Haiti Delaware

WHEN 4:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18

WHERE Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden

COST $25 adult; children under 18 free

INFO ardenconcerts.com