Entertainment

Cape Beard hosts Annual Pig Pickin’, supports Autism Society

Details

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Cape Beard, a non-profit organization, not only encourages the growth of facial hair through their Beard & Mustache Club in Fayetteville but also makes a significant contribution to local community events that aid deserving charities. They have raised over $220,000 since their start in 2011.
One such event is the Annual Pig Pickin' where 100% of the proceeds will go to the Autism Society of Cumberland County. Cape Beard is set to host its Pig Pickin event for the 12th time this year. The event is planned for Saturday, May 18, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The venue for the gathering will be Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson, located at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd. This is a child and family-friendly event. The event is also free to attend.
Throughout the day, Cape Beard will be preparing 750 pounds of shredded pork. Barbecue dishes are priced at $7 each. Event-goers will be able to enjoy a variety of vendors, bouncy houses, a children's obstacle course, a dunk tank, and live music.
The live music lineup will be:
Chris Cox 11 a.m. to noon
Fayetteville Sound Barbershop noon to 1 p.m.
Crow Kozak 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Fayetteville Sound Barbershop 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Stone Dolls 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Life of the Party Entertainment will be spinning hits between musical sets. Scheduled times are tentative and subject to change.
Since the inaugural Pig Pickin' event took place in 2012, a total of $109,180 has been raised to support the ASCC. Their objective for this year is to surpass last year's fundraising amount of $13,000.
The Autism Society of Cumberland County enhances the quality of life for people with autism, provides assistance to their families, and educates communities through a variety of resources.
The organization's programs and initiatives aim to educate and enlighten parents, caregivers, and professionals, while also offering guidance, resources, and avenues for families. By collaborating with various agencies in the county, they assist families in locating the most suitable services.
The organization offers support groups and programs for parents, giving them the chance to connect with other families and professionals in their community. This allows them to build a network of support tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, they provide conference scholarships, a 5 to 6 week summer day camp, classroom grants, resource directories, and a monthly newsletter. Through these initiatives, families have the opportunity to meet and learn from others, while also accessing valuable resources and information.
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is located at 351 Wagoner Dr, Ste 410. You can reach them by phone at 910-826-9100.

(Graphic courtesy of Cape Beard's Facebook Page)

Rock'n On The River: Summer concert series returns to Fayetteville

Details

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written by Amber Little

Another summer of smooth sounds by the Cape Fear River starts soon as the Rock’n on the River Summer Concert Series tips off on May 24th and runs until September.
The community can catch the free concert series jam-packed with tribute bands, bringing the nostalgia of the ’80s, ’90s, and 00’s. Concerts start at 6 p.m. at Deep Creek Outfitters at Campbellton Landing located at 1122 Person Street. While the event is free, there will be a $10 fee for parking. Parking fees help the host, Deep Creek Outfitters, provide a safe and navigable parking lot for concertgoers.
There will be no outside coolers or food allowed, but chairs are allowed and highly encouraged. Security will be enforced and clear bags are recommended.
The event is presented by Healy Wholesale, which will be on-site selling cold brews for concertgoers and Deep Creek Grill will be slinging food from their stall at the event venue. Half of the proceeds from this year’s sales of food and beverages will go to the Karen Chandler Trust, a local cancer charity that provides local patients will a multitude of services during treatment, from rides to bill assistance.
Rock’n on the River founder and Rivermist member, Greg Adair, is pumped about this season's lineup and is enthusiastic to bring back this concert series.
“I wanted to have another place for folks across the river area and everybody else, it’s very convenient for everybody… I just wanted to create another concert series for people to enjoy, something to do,” Adair remarked on the beginnings of the concert series.
This year’s event has several sponsors, a sign the concert series is an asset to the community. Corporate sponsors include: Up & Coming Weekly, Deep Creek Outfitters, Bob 96.5, MinuteMaid Press, Sandy’s Automotive, Darling Ingredients, and Deep Creek Grill.
Bill Bowman, owner of F & B Publications, publisher of Up and Coming Weekly, and continuous sponsor of Rock’n on the River spoke about Adair and the projects led by him.
“I’ve known Greg Adair for many, many years… there is not anyone in this community, especially in the entertainment arena, that has more integrity… Just community-minded…I didn’t know him personally until he won Best of Fayetteville 8 years ago and realized what a tour de force he was in this community. Matter of fact, he’s won Best of Fayetteville 8 years in a row. The guy is phenomenal. He believes in music, he believes in musicians, he believes in the quality and purity of music. Adair is a stark music professional. He really values the art,” Bowman said.
“He was involved with several concert series, including the Karen Chandler Trust. He and I started looking at the needs here to promote live music, quality concerts, you know that would add value to the community and try to get it to all areas of the community. He created Rock’n on the River, which is just the perfect venue for a music concert and we wanted to help him promote that, really tell the story of the bands and their history, give people the awareness of what it is, more than just a musical concert. We also wanted to promote it so we could promote those other people, like Healy Wholesale and some of the other major people who step up, too.”

Rock’n on the River Schedule

May 24
• 6 p.m. Mostley Crüe- Motley Crüe Tribute Band. See more about them at https://www.mostleycrue.com/
• 8 p.m. Shoot to Thrill- All Female AC/DC Tribute Band
Shoot to Thrill is a female AC/DC Tribute Band based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Members, Susan, Kara, Jai, Wendy, and Kate tour the East Coast playing the best of the acclaimed rock band. Visit their website at https://www.shoot2thrillband.com/band

June 21
• 6 p.m. Joyner, Young & Marie and Friends - 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s Pop. For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Joyner-Young-and-Marie-100063664837105/
• 8 p.m. Autumn Tyde- 70’s and 80’s Variety
Autumn Tyde brings the sounds of beach, oldies, rhythm and blues, Billboard Top 100, and hit originals to their audiences as a newly formed group (2022) based out of North Carolina. Members Doyle Wood, Ted Ray (TR), Bob James, Dez Humphrey, and Russell Garland have been playing gigs all over North Carolina including the 2022 Kinston Barbeque Festival. Their Facebook page has more information at https://www.facebook.com/autumntyde/

July 19
• 6 p.m. Dalton Davis- Country
Making sure the country fans get a night to celebrate too, North Carolina-based country music artist, Dalton Davis will hit the stage with his original hits, like current single Wild Child. See more about them at https://www.instagram.com/_daltondavis_/?hl=en
• 8 p.m. ZZ Top Notch- ZZ Top Tribute
Formed in 2022 by members Chuck Sirko, John Hubacheck and Joe Synder, ZZ Top Notch brings the same energy to the stage with over 100 years of musical experience between the three. Find more information on their website at https://zztopnotch.com/

August 16
• 6 p.m. Reflections ll- Variety
Winner of Best Cover Band in Fayetteville in 2012, Reflections ll is set to bring good vibrations to the stage. See more on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/partyband.net/
• 8 p.m. Tuesday’s Gone- Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band
Based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tuesday’s Gone brings the smooth rock of the Alabama favorite to stages up and down the East Coast. Since its beginning in 2005, the band has seen members come and go.
The current members are Ryan King (Lead Vocals), David "Elwood" Elmore (Bass), Michael Meeks (Piano/Keys), Joe Sprunt (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Spencer Carlson (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Dave Nicholls (Guitar/Backing Vocals), and Kevin Peele (Drums & Percussion). Their website is https://tuesdaysgoneband.com/

September 20
• 6 p.m. 80’s Unleashed- Local 80’s band
Hailing from right here in Fayetteville, 80’s Unleashed will be bringing all the 80s hits you loved and hate to love. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/80sunleashed/
• 8 p.m. Beggers Banquet- Rolling Stone Tribute Band
Beggers Banquet is a North Carolina-based band that could almost be called an ensemble, as they have members who play a plethora of instruments, adding to the essence of their performances of some of the best rock'n'roll songs of this lifetime. Find out more about them at https://beggarsbanquetband.com/about-us

(Top photo: courtesy of ZZ Top Notch's Facebook Page.  Bottom photo: courtesy of Autumn Tyde's Facebook Page)

Mind, body events help community stay healthy, well

Details

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written by Amber Little

Nurturing the mind and body is important, especially in 2024. The need to take care of the physical body and the emotional mind is essential to living a balanced life of work, kids, and home. Fayetteville has two events for the community to attend on May 18th, that will certainly help the community learn to take care of themselves and live a balanced life.

Health & Wellness Fair Expo
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., FREE
Fit 4 Life
2303 Ft. Bragg Rd.
For the 7th year, Fit 4 Life is hosting its annual Health and Wellness Fair Expo. This year’s event is highlighting nonprofits in the Cumberland County area.
The Standing Light Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping those who are victims of domestic violence, founded by Takieyah Mathis.
Through Tragedy Comes Light, founded by Rick Morano, locally known as Ranger Rick, brings awareness to suicide and suicide prevention. There will be shirts on sale to support the organization's annual run.
Dream Quest Foundation, a new organization in the area, was founded by Shayla Wright, to help create programs geared toward our at-risk youth that are critical to helping them succeed.
Attendees can look forward to a wealth of information when it comes to health. There will be vendors of all kinds. Representatives from local health organizations will be on hand to answer questions and get the right health information in the public’s hands. There will be a health presentation by a local youth group and plenty of opportunities to shop locally, with a range of businesses set up to sell products.
Community members will also have access to information about community resources available to help with several humanitarian issues. The fitness challenge is sure to be the highlight of the event. Fit 4 Life is located on Ft. Bragg Rd.
“The one special thing about our location is we have an obstacle course outside… it’s just a little fitness challenge to top it all off,” Nina Batton, this year’s event coordinator, explained. Those interested in entering the challenge can sign up on-site, on the day of the event between 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The obstacle course fitness challenge starts promptly at 1 p.m. There will also be raffles, door prizes, and of course, food trucks! The event is free to the public.
For more information, contact Nina Batton, Fitness Manager, at 910-568-5962.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

F.A.B. Fayetteville
6 p.m. $25
Select IV Hydration
212 Hay Street
A local mindset coach is bringing a transformative experience to Downtown Fayetteville. The Amazing Soul, published author and mental health activist, is hosting her inaugural FAB Fayetteville event at Select Hydration. FAB is a new unconventional, artistic approach to mental health developed by The Amazing Soul.
F- Feelings
At the event, attendees will learn about fun tools to “navigate overwhelming feelings” and explore fun ways to “feel present in the body.”
A- Arts
There will be vibrant and fun art by local artists featured at the event.
B- Book Launch
Along with learning some “amazing” techniques to help with mental health, The Amazing Soul will also be signing copies of her latest book “The Truth Is I Do Not Know: Fun Ways to Make Your Life Less Complicated.”
Attendees can look forward to a good time full of laughs, art, stories, tools for mental health success and finger foods. The Amazing Soul will share her story and impart the knowledge she has gained through her training.
Other guest speakers, such as local artists, will be presenting work that has significant meaning to their mental health journey.
According to the event site, art therapy will play a key role at the event.
"In our expressive arts therapy sessions, you'll have the opportunity to use colors, shapes, and textures to externalize your inner world, releasing emotions through painting, collage, or sculpture. Guided mindfulness practices will invite you to connect with your body and breath, offering gentle ways to ground yourself amidst life's ups and downs.”
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4b7V6cM
For more information, visit her Instagram at theamazingsoul.

Mostley Crüe joins Rock'n On The River line up

Details

Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Max Atkeson

In a world where music and trends are ever changing, tribute bands like Mostley Crüe not only bring iconic musicians back to life but keep their music alive, too. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic night of fun and rock music or a new experience, Mostley Crüe’s tribute performances to Motley Crüe could be exactly what you need.
Motley Crüe, a legendary rock band which arguably defined a generation of metal fans and musicians alike, remains to have a special place in many people’s hearts. Though the band might have played their final concert in 2015, their wild performances and unapologetic debauchery of the '80s will forever remain in fans' hearts, a likeness that Mostley Crüe brings back in full force with their shows.
Motley Crüe has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and released their new single, “Dogs of War,” this year.
Fans no longer have to rely on memories of concerts to hear their favorite songs live again. Thanks to groups like the Mostley Crüe with uncanny similarity in vocals and instrumentals, fans from the Carolinas can enjoy their music live again.
To many fans, Mostley Crüe acts as a portal to the past as they continue to tour around America’s Southern East Coast, often performing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Not only do the band members sound like the well-loved rockstars of the past, but embody them. Many fans rave in reviews about their uncanny ability to mimic their idols and have even higher praise for how they sound covering Motley Crüe songs. Adorning their best rockstar outfits, hair, and make up, Mostley Crüe, like many tribute bands, have the “look” of these iconic bands nailed.
Music industry experts see tribute bands such as Mostley Crüe as an essential part of keeping legacies of classic bands alive. Tribute bands give the younger generations a chance to experience music loved by thousands and hear it live. They keep the music of the past relevant, despite the almost forty years between now and when Motley Crüe first formed.
The tribute band is comprised of Gabriel Pettit in the role of vocalist Vince Neil, Darius Rose as drummer Tommy Lee, Kevin Dollar as guitarist Mick Mars and Miller Barefoot as bassist Nikki Sixx. Formed in Raleigh, NC in 2007, Mostley Crüe quickly grew in popularity amongst rock fans and has played over one hundred live events. The band is very active on Facebook and is supported by thousands of followers who praise the skill and talent displayed by the Mostly Crüe.
According to their Facebook page, the band explained they “had a slow start to the year [and had situations that] kept us from committing to shows until we knew we could do them right,” with the intention to come back better than ever.
Mostley Crüe will be joining the line up for Rock’n On The River on Friday, May 24. Rock’n On The River is a Fayetteville based concert series that happens once a month throughout the summer.
The May event will kick off the Rock'n On the River summer concert series with Shoot to Thrill, an all woman AC/DC tribute band, and Mostley Crüe. Rock’n On the River is held at Campbellton Landing at 1122 Person St. in Fayetteville. The show starts at 6 p.m. with Mostley Crüe. The event is free, although there is a fee to park. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049990406810, and see next week’s edition of Up and Coming Weekly.
Fans of the tribute band can find plenty of future shows to attend on their Facebook and website so don’t miss any of their spectacular performances and get your tickets now. Be a part of what keeps music from the ‘80s alive.

(Photo courtesy of Mostley Crue)