Entertainment

Swing into history with Beespoke Vintage

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Rebecca Russell, owner of Beespoke Vintage, is at it again with another great event. After the success of Lafayette's Grand Birthday Ball & Soiree in 2023, she is taking on a different era with a WWII Swing Dance.
A WWII USO Swing Dance, a 1940s-inspired event, is planned for Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the SkyView on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville. Russell is of the opinion that the women from the 1940s possessed a timeless and elegant appearance.
“Classic! I think that’s the word so many would use to describe the era. The hemlines were conservative but not too long. The shapes were flattering to almost all body shapes with tailored lines and semi-flared hems. Simple and feminine at the same time. Women could be glamorous but also just fun and flirty. I think that’s why this is a time when so many women really got into home sewing,” shares Russell.
Get ready to step back in time and with every step, you will be transported to the 1940s WWII era, where the air is filled with the lively tunes of swing dance. Move about the three distinctive areas in SkyView on Hay each with its own theme and bar: USO, South Pacific Shore Leave Bar, and Free France at the Casablanca Cafe.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the USOs, where servicemen and women found solace and entertainment during wartime. Move on to South Pacific Shore Leave Bar, The Drunken Monkey, where sailors would gather to unwind and enjoy their time off. The atmosphere is laid-back and carefree, with tropical cocktails flowing and laughter filling the air. And last but not least, the Casablanca Cafe, a secret underworld where resistance fighters plot and strategize against the enemy force. To see a floor plan and layout of the different areas for the event visit https://the10dressesproject.org/wwii-swing-dance-2024
Ensure that your identification documents receive a stamp in all three designated areas, attach a photograph or letter of your World War II veteran or Homefront Hero to the Memory Wall, and take a moment to appreciate the cherished memories of others. Additionally, you can have a temporary tattoo created, enjoy a captivating Burlesque performance, purchase some nostalgic treats like Cracker Jacks or candy cigarettes from the lovely cigarette girls, show your support by acquiring a War Bond pin, and most importantly, dance the night away to the lively tunes of a 9-piece Big Band.
VIP guests will have the opportunity to gain early access to the event location, where they can indulge in three complimentary drink vouchers, savor delectable cuisine, receive specially curated keepsakes, and enjoy an exclusive lineup of entertainment that has been exclusively arranged for their enjoyment. Additionally, their seats will be reserved for the duration of the entire evening.
Don’t forget to enter one of the two dance contests. Prizes include $500 and free t-shirts. If you need to brush up on your swing dancing skills before the event head over to Roland’s Dance Studio at 310 Hope Mills Road for some lessons.
Or maybe the Best Dressed Contest is more your speed. Five women and five men will be chosen as Best Dressed throughout the evening and winners will receive a customized sash, bragging rights and a coupon for free merch.
The 10Dresses Project, a non-profit organization committed to preserving history through fashion, is partnering to co-host this event. A percentage of the proceeds from this occasion will be allocated to support educational initiatives such as 10Dresses Project Workshops, Camps and Prom Projects. Additionally, a "Gala Scholarship" will be awarded to a participant, allowing them to attend the incredible events.
Get ready to celebrate in style with your finest 1940s outfits, slip on your dancing shoes, and prepare to have a blast like the Greatest Generation that came before us! Tickets can be purchased at: https://tinyurl.com/4nvzbnr5

(Photo: Rebecca Russell of Beespoke Vintage poses on a motorbike in a 1940s-inspired outfit. Russell is hosting a WWII USO Swing Dance in downtown Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Russell)

Fight 4 Cure Inc. holds annual Charity Car, Truck, Bike show

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Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Written by Max Atkeson

Car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event this June. Not only will participants get to show off their sleek vehicles and win awards for it, but have a chance to give to those in need. Fight 4 Cure’s annual Charity Car, Truck and Bike Show offers the opportunity to help raise funding for support programs provided to adult cancer patients.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event is located at the Jordan Soccer Complex at 445 Treetop Dr, Fayetteville.
This event is much more than an automotive show. The charity show isn't just about the vehicles but the people behind them. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow car, truck, and bike lovers, share tips and tricks, and forge longstanding bonds that go past automotives. It's a community coming together, united by a shared love for wheels and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Fight 4 Cure was founded in 2018 to assist adult cancer patients who might not have the support needed for their journey.
Dr. Lisa Wright, who spoke on Fight 4 Cure Inc’s behalf, said, “We work one-on-one with adult cancer patients as well as with their healthcare team. Any funds received are allocated to the various support programs provided and dispersed via grant checks to patients, via gift cards, and the purchase of various items for care boxes provided to adult cancer patients in active treatment or about to start treatment. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is difficult for many and for those not having the support to get through this can have a lasting effect, so we try to provide support to let adult cancer patients know 'They Are Not Alone' and help promote their well-being while they are in active treatment, about to start treatment or in follow up care.”
Enthusiasts and aficionados from all corners of North Carolina have the chance to display their prized possessions. From classic and nostalgic cars to cutting-edge motorcycles that embody speed and innovation, every make and model will have its moment to shine.
Each vehicle requires an entry fee. Participants can expect to pay $20 per vehicle and $15 per motorcycle. 100% of fees and proceeds will be used for the support programs mentioned above. Those participating can register once they arrive at the show anywhere between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once registrations are complete, judging for both motorcycles and vehicles will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Awards in the form of plaques and trophies are set to be presented at 4 p.m.
Expect to see vendors of all kinds for everyone to enjoy.
Those who can’t make it to the show can make a donation through https://www.fight4cure.org/be-a-champion or attend any of the other events Fight 4 Cure Inc hosts each quarter.
Whether you're a die-hard gearhead or simply looking for a fun-filled day to show off something you love, the annual Fight 4 Cure's Charity Car, Truck, and Bike Show promises an experience unlike any other. So mark your calendars, polish your vehicles, and get ready to rev your engines for a cause that truly drives change.

2nd Cigar and Rose’ Festival brings luxury vibes

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written by Amber Little

The scene and vibe are being set for the second annual Cigar and Rose’ Festival, presented by The Sip Room and The Livery Cigar Emporium, both highly successful downtown businesses. The Sip Room offers a relaxed environment with a great selection of wines. There are monthly events such as poetry readings and brunch. The Livery Cigar Emporium is a great hang out spot for the 30 and up crowd, with a wide selection of both cigars and cocktails. They also host monthly events, such as live bands and performances.
The Cigar and Rose’ Festival is a celebration of luxury and fine things for a purpose. The festival is a curated experience from your arrival for cigar and rose’ lovers alike. Come dressed to impress in your best. The outfits are part of the fun and luxury feel of the festival.
This year’s event is Sunday, June 9 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the luxurious and intimate lakeside Mariani Venue in Pembroke, NC. The venue features lush garden spaces, a gorgeous lake view from the entire property, and walking trails. Individual tickets range from $85 to $125.
Attendees can choose the one that includes food or the one that doesn’t. There are two options for individual VIP ticket holders, VIP with just food and VIP with food and indoor seating option (summer is coming). For groups of 4 and 6, there are VIP tables available that include personal waiters, a bottle of rose’, swag bags, and cigars (and hookah) ranging from $800-$1200. For those interested in being a vendor, vending tickets can be purchased for $150. This is a great opportunity for small businesses to showcase and sell their brands.
Along with smooth cigars and crisp Rose’, there will be live music provided by a DJ and live band, plenty of photo opportunities, and a 5-star catered Italian lunch by the venue. Get ready for a day of relaxation in your finest hues of pink, among fellow connoisseurs, dining on the finest Italian cuisine while sipping on perfectly paired Rose’ and finishing it off with the perfect smoke. Get your tickets now and avoid possibly missing out on the fun.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3yvrFCR
This year’s event is not just a party, it’s a party with a purpose.
“Myself and Andre Thomas have previously hosted various events throughout Fayetteville and we have always discussed how can we host an event focused on giving back to the community. This brought about the conversation of organizing an event sponsored by The Sip Room and The Livery Cigar Emporium in support of our Nonprofit organization CMF Housing Solutions and Sisters with a Purpose Foundation,” said Satina Epps-Thomas of the purpose behind this year’s event.
Sisters with a Purpose Foundation was founded by Thomas and two other passionate women entrepreneurs. The foundation's focus is to help women find and keep gainful employment, and housing and encourage and foster entrepreneurship. Both organizations are geared toward securing housing for individuals and families. Homelessness is something that affects around nine- thousand North Carolinians on any given night, according to endhomelss.org. Organizations such as these are important and so are their founders.

Er’Body Eatz hosts inaugural community kickback, promotes food security

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Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Written by Amber Little

J’Kwon Fulmore is looking to make an impact when it comes to food security in Cumberland County. He is hosting the inaugural community kickback, essentially a big cookout, at the Crown Coliseum VIP Parking Lot West located at 1960 Coliseum Drive on June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through his nonprofit Er’Body Eatz. This event is free to the community and will feature food, vendors and live music.
The purpose of the kickback is to bring the community together to learn about the fresh food options around the Cumberland County area, such as butchers and farmers.
“It’s our first community kickback. This is essentially our introduction to the Fayetteville area. We are working on introducing ourselves to the whole Sandhills region. But we are starting in our own backyard. We are going to be utilizing the Crown West VIP parking lot to congregate with the communities and allow them to meet their local farmers, butchers, vendors, and resources they may not get to interact with on a daily basis.
"Essentially this is just going to be one giant Saturday cookout. We are going to have 9 or 10 volunteer grill masters on the grills. I do teach at FTCC, culinary arts, so I am going to have some of my students out there doing their thing as well. It’s completely free to the public, we are applying for grants to fund the whole thing so we just ask that you guys come out, hang out, and come hungry. We will have a bunch of vendor tables out there. They are also selling some things they want to as well,” Fulmore said of the upcoming event.
A Fayetteville native, J’Kwon Fulmore's life journey has taken him all over the country, picking up new skills and experience at every stop. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and retired private chef, Fulmore is well-versed in food.
Er’Body Eatz is a passion movement of Fulmore. After traveling with his pro-athlete clients to their hometowns to teach about nutrition and sustainability, he knew it was time to come home and spread that knowledge to the people in his hometown.
“The point of Er’Body Eatz is to one, teach sustainability, gardening, and homesteading in an urban environment, but number two, what to do with that produce after we harvest it because it’s only half the battle to receive those goods, the farm fresh groceries and things of that sort. But if you don’t know what to do with it, that’s how you end up boiling broccoli until all the nutrients are out of it or using your fresh potatoes and deep fry them in oil. You’re not getting any of the benefits of the things you’re supposed to be getting,” Fulmore said, explaining the purpose behind the project.
From the kitchen of Le Cordon Bleu to the classroom at FTCC, Fulmore plans to pour his experience, knowledge, and passion back into the community that raised him and create a more food-secure and sustainable future for the coming generations. Fulmore is on a mission to put community gardens all over Cumberland County and beyond. Er’Body Eatz is currently seeking monetary donations and land donations for the community gardens.
To donate to Er’Body Eatz, visit the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/9ac40a43. To learn more about what the organization does and how you can get involved, visit the website, https://erbodyeatzordering.wixsite.com/mysite.

(Photo: J'Kwon Fulmore, the mind behind Er'Body Eatz, is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and teacher at FTCC. Fulmore hopes to bring food security and awareness to the Sandhills region. Photo by MelaJay Photography)