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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
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Written by Lisa Stevens
Phantom Nation and Ty Maggard are bringing a unique and exciting car racing event to Fayetteville at the Motorsport Park track, 4480 Doc Bennett Rd., on Aug. 17 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s a family event that you do not want to miss.
With a diverse lineup of vehicles - from trucks and cars to motorcycles and dirt bikes — the races will be a true spectacle of speed and skill. All makes and models are welcome. Whether competing or simply admiring the stunning rides, the competitive spirit and love for all things automotive will be palpable throughout the event.
The event organizer, Joel Soto, and his team bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the community. Soto, who relocated from Puerto Rico to the mainland U.S. in 2003, escaped an environment that was unsafe with its share of crime.
He joined ROTC in high school, and from that experience, he discovered a profound passion for helping others. It was something a mentor, Colonel McCintire, told him that stuck with him to “never forget where you came from.” Soto hasn’t forgotten the tough times he experienced and is committed to giving back when he puts on community events.
Soto plans to start a nonprofit that will bring mechanics classes to local high schools, empowering the next generation with valuable skills. The Summerfest event is a testament to his vision of bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
“I love bringing people together. It’s a skill that I’ve had since I was young. With the support of my wife and brother, I’ve been able to start a business and make it grow to what it is today. I would love to start a nonprofit to give back to the community. My goal is to bring a mechanics class to area high schools so that kids can start learning new trades like changing tires, oil, and simple stuff that you need to know to maintain the upkeep of vehicles,” Soto shares.
Ty Maggard, the organizer and sponsor, is a Fayetteville native. He was fascinated by the car scene as a child. His father, a military veteran and car enthusiast, frequently took him to car shows and speed competitions. It’s fitting that Maggard owns a detailing business, Royalty Auto Spa. Maggard shares that he’s been doing car events since 2019, and close to 90% of the participants are active and retired military. He builds relationships with them, and they admit that participating in his events helps them to decompress.
“I meet so many people from all walks of life. I put a lot into making every event exciting and memorable. I love seeing different ethnicities, religions, and age groups coming together and getting along because that’s what’s missing nowadays,”
Maggard said.
Maggard recognizes that it’s the people who are responsible for his success. He admits it took some time to be business savvy while still maturing and going through life’s growing pains. Through his drive and discipline, he built and grew his business.
Maggard supports two organizations dear to him, Racing For Heroes and Whole Vet. Racing For Heroes takes vets with PSTD out racing as they believe adrenalin and excitement relieve stress and are known to save lives. Whole Vet helps transition vets into housing, jobs, and resources that support them in their civilian lives. Maggard looks back at his first event in 2019, which brought in over seven thousand people, and the event is now nationwide, bringing in people from abroad.
Both Soto and Maggard are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at the Summerfest event. They are passionate about bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and giving back to organizations that support veterans. The event is family-friendly, where people from all walks come together and enjoy themselves. Over the years, the event has grown, and reviews are always positive. There will be local vendors, games, and prizes.
Maggard and Soto are passionate about what they contribute to the car shows and watching people from near and far enjoy themselves. They genuinely want visitors to have fun. As they look to the future, they want Summerfest to continue being a safe place, a fun family event.
Prepare to be dazzled by the array of awards up for grabs - Best Show Car, Best JDM, Best Euro, Best Domestic, Best Stance, Best Track Time, Best Truck, Low Car Limbo Winner, and Best 2-Step. There will be local vendors and giveaways.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a day filled with the roar of engines, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie of automotive enthusiasts.
For fees and registration, go to https://phantomnation.club/pages/show-registration
(Graphic Courtesy of Phantom Nation and Ty Maggard)
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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
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Written by Jamie Bishop
The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, in conjunction with Gates Four Golf and Country Club, is set to host a highly anticipated second concert of the Gates Four Summer Music Concert Series featuring Heart Breaker, a tribute band to musical legends Heart and Led Zeppelin.
The concert is open to the public and takes place in the Pavilion at Gates Four Country Club on Aug. 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Heart Breaker: A Tribute to Classic Rock Legends
Heart Breaker is a popular national touring act based in North Carolina. Their dynamic performances include Heart's greatest hits like "Alone," "These Dreams," "Crazy on You," and "Barracuda," as well as a few of Led Zeppelin songs that inspired Heart.
Staci McBeth and Joan Burton, the band's "Ann and Nancy Wilson," bring exceptional vocal power to each performance, making the Heart Breaker show a full concert experience that promises to thrill and entertain any classic rock fan.
Beautiful Outdoor Setting/Ultimate Concert Experience
The Gates Four Summer Music Concert Series is in its fourth successful season. All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating with friends and family. In addition to a beautiful country club setting, concert-goers will experience many signature amenities not found in most outdoor concert venues. This concert features a fully stocked bar with all ABC permits and various beer and wine products. It will also feature many delicious food offerings prepared by Chef Thing from his family-operated food truck, Some-Things-Cookin. In addition, there will be plenty of gifts, door prizes and surprises. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m.
Pavilion Packages & Group Seating Options
The concert is free. However, if you want to make the Heart Breaker a special event for you and your guests, limited reserved Pavilion seating and table packages are available close to the stage and dance floor for partygoers who want to get themselves close to the action. There are several seating packages available starting at $10. A VIP Package is also available that includes preferred Pavilion seating, a reserved table, a Some-Things-Cookin dinner, and unlimited beverages* for the entire evening. (*Beer, wine, and soft drinks only. Mixed drinks not included.) All Pavilion seating packages can be viewed and reserved on the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website: www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com .
Behind the Scenes with Organizers and Performers
Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, shared the inspiration behind the Gates Four Summer Concert Series.
"We wanted to create a free event that brings the community together to enjoy great music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Summer music concerts are an ideal way to celebrate the season, and Gates Four provides the perfect venue," he explained.
Bowman also provided valuable insights into the event. "We believe in the power of music to unite people and create memorable experiences. Hosting this concert series allows us to give back to the community while supporting local artists. It's about fostering a sense of togetherness, having fun, and celebrating the arts in Fayetteville," Bowman stated.
"Up & Coming Weekly and Beasley Media Group play a pivotal role in promoting the event, ensuring the community knows it's a free concert and gets them excited about attending. Our team works hard to spread the word through various media channels, including radio, print ads , and digital media. We are committed to highlighting local events that enrich the community and bring people together." he added.
Ron Goveia, the manager of Heart Breaker, described what attendees can expect from the concert.
"We are the ultimate HEART tribute in the U.S. A national touring act based in North Carolina that performs each song with love, respect, and a true passion for the original material. Our goal is to bring a truly transcendent and pitch-perfect concert experience, both musically and visually," Goveia said.
Goveia emphasized what sets Heart Breaker apart from other tribute bands.
"First, I would say it is the quality of the music. We pride ourselves on staying true to paying tribute to the original Heart group and the Wilson sisters. I always tell people who have never been to a Heart concert to come to a Heart Breaker concert, close their eyes, and it will be the same as being at a Heart concert. We also pride ourselves on being 100 percent live. We do not use any pre-recorded tracks or technical enhancements of any kind. Our harmonies are important to us, and we put a lot of work into ensuring they are perfect," he noted. "Practice makes perfect. Heart Breaker puts the time in to ensure they deliver a quality show every time. It also helps that these six musicians have played together for many years." he said.
Community & Sponsor Support
The success of the Concert Series would not be possible without the involvement and support of like-minded community sponsors and partners.
These are people and businesses who want to not only showcase great musical talent but also want to enhance the quality of life for all Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents. These sponsors make the Concert Series possible, and free to the community.
Presenting Title sponsors for this year's Series are Jay Dowdy and his son Jay Jay of All American Homes, Larry Parker and family, owners of Certified Htg. & Air Conditioning of Parkton, Kevin Lavertu of Gates Four CC, and the J.P. Riddle Family, and Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper. Everyone is community-focused and committed to enhancing lives, having fun and showcasing great musical talent. Other valuable GF Concert Series partners are the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Healy Wholesale Distributors, PWC, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, CSI, 5 West Media Group, and Black's Tire of Fayetteville.
The Gates Four Concert Summer Series promises to be a highlight of the season, offering an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun.
Don't miss out on this incredible event. For more information about the Concert Series or to reserve VIP Pavilion seating packages, visit www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or call the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre at 910-391-3859.
(Image courtesy of Heart Breaker's Facebook Page)
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