Entertainment

Fan flames of creativity, dreams, imagination at Cabin Fever

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

Cape Fear Studios presents the Cabin Fever Exhibit from Jan. 23 to Feb. 24 at 148 Maxwell St. The hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays and Mondays are closed to the public. The first-place winner receives $125, with two honorable mentions of $50. Admission is free to the public.
Cabin Fever is a non-juried exhibition open to all artists, 18 and older. The Call for Art is for each artist to submit up to two original works of art of any medium, completed in the past two years. Works must not be copied from any other artist or published materials and cannot have been previously exhibited in Cumberland County.
All entries are available for purchase. 2D works may not exceed 40”x40” including frame and must be properly wired for hanging with picture wire and D rings or eye hooks. No saw-toothed hangers. 3D work must be ready to display, to be of manageable size, free of chips, scratches, cracks, or other quality issues that are not integral to the formulation or interpretation of the piece. Entries will be accepted Jan. 15 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No late entries will be accepted. Studios to reproduce accepted images for advertising.
Cabin Fever Exhibit is featured as an annual event at Cape Fear Studios. This show represents the vision of Community Art.
“Community art is vital for building strong, connected and vibrant places by fostering diverse voices, improving mental-well-being, beautifying public spaces, and driving economic activity, transforming neighborhoods through shared creative experiences that break down barriers and create collective identity and pride. It serves as a catalyst for dialogue, healing, and positive change, giving residents a way to express needs, celebrate culture, and envision better future for themselves,” according to the East End Arts Council.
The Cabin Fever Exhibit attracts visitors, supports local artists, and boosts foot traffic within downtown Fayetteville.
Cape Fear Studios has been hosting Cabin Fever for approximately ten years. The Studio, established in 1989, has been a staple in the community for 37 years.
Pandry Autry, Cape Fear Studios member, shares. “I have worked as a decorative painter and faux finish artist for over thirty years in Fayetteville, after teaching in Cumberland County and Hoke County for thirteen years. [I enjoy] being a member of Cape Fear Studios to have an outlet for my art and be part of an artist community.”
Fan your imagination, creativity, and dreams of presenting vision of art within any medium for the community to see in the Cabin Fever Exhibit. Self-taught to formal educational art classes and credentials are welcome for self-expression in established art shows. Be a part of the artist community, invite friends and neighbors to view and vote for your artwork. For more information, visit https://www.capefearstudios.com/event-details/cabin-fever-exhibit

Fayetteville Fishing Expo comes to Crown

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

“I am a reel expert. I can tackle anything.”
Watershed Cabins

The Fayetteville Fishing Expo is happening Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Crown Expo Center at 1960 Coliseum Dr. Times for the event are: Friday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $6 for children to $10 for adults. Children five and under are free. Military discounts are available. Tickets are good for all three days with a return pass and can be purchased at the door or online at https://fayettevillefishingexpo.com/
“We are thrilled to welcome the Fayetteville Fishing Expo back to the Crown Complex for 2026. This event has grown into a cornerstone of our winter schedule, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the region to Fayetteville. It is a privilege to host an event where local anglers can connect with industry leaders,” said Gary Rogers, marketing Director for the Crown.
Why attend the Fayetteville Fishing Expo in January 2026? People go to January fishing expos to see the newest gear, such as tackle, boats, electronics and apparel. Expos often have seminars where would-be anglers can learn from the pros. Seminars in Fayetteville will be led by Skeet Reese, Davy Hite, Eddie Moody, Freddy Sinclair, Captain Craig Hensel, Captain Bobby Brewer, and Mike Delvisco.
The Fayetteville Fishing Expo will offer a variety of products from rods to reels to apparel and boats, plus expert tips on catching everything from bass to offshore species, making it great for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Discover new gear and see the latest tackle, rods, reels, and electronics from major brands and custom makers. Explore bass boats, pontoons, center consoles, and kayaks. Learn essential boating safety, navigation, and maintenance for newcomers. It is the perfect time to stock up and plan for spring and summer fishing.
The Fayetteville Fishing Expo features over sixty vendors, including aluminum Jon Boats and Bass Boats.
“For 3 big days, the Fayetteville Fishing Expo will bring together the finest products and services the fishing industry has to offer,” said Rogers. “Local, regional, and national companies showcase tackle, rods and reels, apparel, maps, charters, sunglasses, boats, motors, and electronic…. Well, you get the picture. Everything to get you in the water ‘Rigged and Ready’ for the season. And just to make sure you make the most of your fishing trip, we put together a top-notch panel of national and regional pros to share their secrets on ‘When, Where, and How to have the best fishing trip possible.’ There is only one thing these guys enjoy more than fishing…. that is telling others how to! From Catfish to Cobia, Sunfish to Sailfish…. this show brings it all under one roof.”
Life is better on a boat. Choose your boat, motors, kayak, rod, reels, apparel, tackle, maps, or charter, and get “Rigged & Ready” for the season. Everything you need from equipment to pro-knowledge for the novice to professional angler will be at the Fayetteville Fishing Expo, on Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. More information can be found at https://fayettevillefishingexpo.com.

FSU Planetarium brings back ‘Dark Side of the Moon’

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Pink Floyd fans will once again have the chance to experience one of the most influential albums in music history in an entirely new way when The Dark Side of the Moon returns to the Fayetteville State University Planetarium at 1200 Murchison Rd. in 2026 as part of the album’s official 50th anniversary production.
Originally released in 1973, Dark Side of the Moon has endured across generations, spending a record-setting 984 weeks on the Billboard charts and becoming a cultural touchstone for listeners worldwide. Introduced to the public during a press event at the London Planetarium more than five decades ago, the album’s connection to astronomy now comes full circle under the dome of the FSU Planetarium.
The shows began Friday, Jan. 9, and the planetarium will host weekly Friday evening showings at 7 p.m., with the run continuing through Oct. 9. Tickets are $10, offering audiences an affordable opportunity to experience the sanctioned full-dome production.
“This isn’t just a music show,” said Joseph Kabbes, planetarium manager and astronomy professor at Fayetteville State University. “This production was created by NSC Creative in conjunction with Pink Floyd themselves. It’s the only Dark Side of the Moon show officially approved by the band, and we’re one of only nine planetariums in the country licensed to present it.”
Kabbes said Fayetteville’s inclusion in the limited group of venues speaks to both the planetarium’s technical capabilities and its growing reputation.
“We’re the only site in the Southeast offering this show,” he said. “That puts Fayetteville on the map in a way many people don’t expect.”
The experience pairs Pink Floyd’s original studio recording with immersive, space-themed visuals choreographed precisely to the album’s music and narrative arc. The visuals are projected across the planetarium’s 30-foot dome using ten 4K projectors, creating an image density that exceeds most domed theaters worldwide. A 6,500-watt sound system delivers the album’s layered soundscapes with clarity and power.
“The visuals aren’t random,” Kabbes said. “They’re designed to follow the emotional and philosophical journey of the album. When people sit inside the dome, they’re not just listening—they’re surrounded by the story.”
Kabbes, who has personally seen the production dozens of times, said audience reactions remain consistent.
“People tell me they hear things they’ve never noticed before,” he said. “Even lifelong fans walk out saying it felt like hearing the album for the first time.”
Beyond entertainment, the show has become an important source of support for the planetarium’s broader mission. Revenue generated from the Dark Side of the Moon screenings has allowed the facility to invest in upgraded servers, improved projection capabilities, and new educational programming.
“The success of this show directly supports our ability to stay current with technology,” Kabbes said. “It also allows us to bring in additional full-dome productions and expand what we can offer the community.”
In addition to the Pink Floyd experience, the FSU Planetarium hosts regular science programming throughout the year, including biweekly public science shows on Saturday evenings and telescope viewing sessions, weather permitting. The planetarium also plans to continue offering special events and educational programming for children, families, and school groups.
“We want people to see this as more than a one-time event,” Kabbes said. “The goal is to spark curiosity, whether that starts with music, astronomy, or both.”
As the 50th anniversary celebration continues into 2026, Fayetteville audiences will once again have the opportunity to experience a landmark album in the environment where it was first imagined under the stars.
Tickets and additional information are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/?search=fsu+dark+side+of+the+moon

‘Brothers After War’ brings healing, conversation to Fayetteville veterans community

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

A nationally recognized documentary and guided seminar focused on the realities of military life after service will be brought to Fayetteville, offering local veterans, service members and their families a free opportunity for reflection, connection and conversation.
The award-winning film Brothers After War will be screened Saturday, Jan. 31, at AMC Market Fair 15 on Skibo Road. The four-hour event, running from noon to 4 p.m., is presented through a partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation, UNC Thrive, and Veterans Bridge Home. Attendance is free, though seating is limited and advance registration is required.
Organizers say the Fayetteville screening is more than a movie showing. It is part of a national program that pairs the documentary with a structured seminar designed to help service members and veterans navigate the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Since 2011, the Brothers After War program has reached more than 60,000 veterans and service members across the country.
“This is about creating space,” said Al Lampkins, market president for the Sandhills region with Veterans Bridge Home. “A space where veterans and families can pause, reflect and talk honestly about what life looks like after service, without pressure or expectation.”
The documentary, created by filmmaker Jake Rademacher, chronicles his experience embedding with his brothers’ Army unit during deployments to Iraq. The film explores the deep bonds formed in combat and the complicated emotional landscape that follows soldiers home, including questions of identity, purpose and belonging.
Lampkins said Fayetteville was a natural location for the event, given its longstanding military presence and the number of families who live with the ripple effects of service. Home to Fort Bragg and one of the largest military populations in the nation, the region continues to see veterans from multiple generations navigating reintegration.
“Fayetteville understands military life in a way few places do,” Lampkins said. “But even in a military community, many veterans feel isolated once they leave the structure of service. This program helps bridge that gap.”
The event begins at noon with the film screening, during which attendees will be provided lunch and an opportunity to sit alongside fellow service members and families. Following the screening, participants will take part in a guided seminar led by certified facilitators and the filmmaker. The discussion includes journaling and workbook exercises designed to encourage personal reflection and group conversation.
According to Lampkins, the seminar portion is what transforms the event from passive viewing into an active experience.
“The film opens emotions and memories,” he said. “The guided discussion helps people make sense of what comes up and connect it to their own stories in a healthy way.”
The program is intentionally inclusive of family members, recognizing that reintegration affects spouses, children and loved ones as much as it does those who served. Lampkins said the shared experience often opens lines of communication that families struggle to find on their own.
“Families are part of the journey,” he said. “This gives them common language and understanding. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about listening and being present.”
The Fayetteville event is fully funded through the partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which has long supported service members and first responders, and UNC Thrive, a program focused on trauma-informed research and care for military-connected communities. Veterans Bridge Home is serving as the local host, coordinating outreach and registration.
For Veterans Bridge Home, the event aligns closely with its mission of connecting veterans to long-term support. While the organization is known for assisting with employment, education and healthcare, Lampkins said emotional and mental well-being are just as critical.
“You can have a job and a roof over your head and still feel disconnected,” he said. “This program addresses the internal side of reintegration, which is often harder to talk about.”
Attendance is limited to 111 participants, and organizers are encouraging early registration through Eventbrite. While the event is free, Lampkins emphasized that the limited seating is intentional to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
“We want people to feel safe sharing,” he said. “That’s harder to do in a room that’s too large.”
Lampkins said past participants in other cities often leave feeling affirmed rather than overwhelmed. While the film addresses difficult experiences, the tone of the seminar is grounded in hope and resilience.
“This isn’t about reliving trauma,” he said. “It’s about honoring experiences, learning from them and understanding that moving forward is possible.”
He added that the event also serves as a reminder that veterans are not alone in their struggles. “One of the most powerful moments is when someone realizes others in the room feel the same way,” Lampkins said. “That sense of shared understanding can be incredibly healing.”
The event will conclude at 4 p.m., but Lampkins said the conversations often continue long after participants leave the theater. Organizers hope the experience will encourage attendees to stay connected with local resources and with one another.
For more information or to register, participants can visit https://bit.ly/49JUvzq. Questions can be directed to Al Lampkins at alampkins@veteransbridgehome.org.
As Fayetteville continues to support those who have served, Brothers After War offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect and take the next step forward together.