Since 2008, The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame, operating under the auspices of Community Concerts, has inducted Cumberland County residents who have “brought musical distinction to the community” into its elite group of performers.

The ultimate goal of The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame is intended to thank and honor the community leaders who have helped to improve the community with their talents. 

On March 25, the organization inducted three new members prior to the performance of the Australian Bee Gees at the Crown Theatre. Gaining entry into its elite ranks were Charlotte Blume, Laura Stevens and Malachi Sharpe.

According to Michael Fleishman, who helps organize and bring talented acts to the community, this year’s inductees are more than performers; they are mentors and teachers to others in the community.

Charlotte Blume, the artistic director and choreographer of the Charlotte Blume School of Dance, has 40 years experience performing, choreographing and teaching dancers from around the nation. Her school features programs for classical ballet, tap, gymnastics and contemporary dance. 

As a choreographer she works with the North Carolina State Ballet and she is on the advisory board for the Cultural Arts Division of the N.C. Department of Instruction. 

Blume has a dedication to her work that is rare. It is this dedication that makes her the perfect candidate for induction. 

“It is nice to feel that the community is appreciating the years of service. This may sound funny, but I never considered it or thought of it as a goal. I just did my thing to the best of my ability and that thing is dance,” she said. “I just did what I’ve always done and I hope that in doing that, I have been able to help others reach their goals. I enjoy teaching and imparting what I know from years of experience and training.”

Like Blume, Laura Stevens has a rich history of performance in the community. Local residents may remember her playing the piano at the Prince Charles during its prime; still others may have taken piano or voice lessons from her. Most will know her from the amazing Broadway-style show she brings to the community each year: The Heart of Christmas Show.

If you want to see Stevens’ passion, you have only to see her with the young performers who make the show such a success. Stevens pours not only her knowledge, love and passion for music into them, but also her knowledge, love and passion for life.

Since its inception, The Heart of Christmas Show, headlined by the Voices of the Heart, has raised more than $600,000 for children’s charities in the community.

Stevens, a deeply spiritual woman, has not only taught her students music, she has taught them to truly care and to put action behind their words, making the community a better place.

Malachi Sharpe was posthumously inducted into the organization. Sharpe, a Fayetteville native, played in several jazz bands in the Fayetteville area, he chose to devote his life to his family and teaching instead of pursuing a professional jazz career. For many years he taught in Robeson County, where he inspired a jazz flavor in the high school marching band. Even after retirement, Sharpe continued to teach and inspire students about music and the importance of jazz in American culture

For more information on the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame visit http://www.community-concerts.com/hall-of-fame/.