Entertainment

“Bandancing”: Experience the enchanting melodies of Fayetteville Symphonic Band's latest concert

19"Bandancing," happening Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m., is part of the Fayetteville Symphonic Band’s concert series.
"The Fayetteville Symphonic Band is a community of instrumentalists who are serious about keeping good wind band music in Fayetteville. The band’s membership is around 55, consisting mostly of wind and percussion musicians. The director of the band is Dr. Daniel McCloud, who plays in the Fayetteville Symphony’s percussion section and also is their Assistant Conductor,” explains Anna Meyer, the executive director at the symphony.
Band Director Dr. Daniel McCloud gave a great rundown of what concert-goers should expect.
“‘Bandancing’ will feature a musical program inspired by dance! Whether you prefer the ‘Cake Walk’ and ‘Schottische,’ or the shuffle and samba are more your speed, the concert promises to be groovy, light-hearted and musically satisfying.
Along with familiar composers such as Karl L. King (The Trombone King), Jack Stamp (Bandancing), and Robert Russell Bennett (Suite of Old American Dances), we'll feature new compositions from Methodist University student, Jay Berry (Howlin', Moanin', and Growlin'); and founding band member, Jonathan Andrews (Strong),” he said.
This hour-long concert will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Huff Concert Hall on the Methodist University campus.
This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/72cs6pvb.

Dirtbag Ales and Heckler Brewing celebrate beer May 3 to 5

17The weekend of May 3 to May 5 is definitely something to look forward to! There are two fantastic occasions taking place, and both revolve around everyone's favorite beverage – beer! Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with its “Tacos & Beer” event and Heckler Brewing Company is celebrating Oktoberfest with its “Springfest!” event. Clear off your calendar and check out the details for each event below.
Springfest! at Heckler Brewing Company
Heckler Brewing is located at 5780 Ramsey St #102 and has three days of beer, music and food lined up. The festival is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.
They are excited to announce that they are bringing back their '59 Kolsch, a beer that hasn't been available since the previous winter when it was produced as a limited trial batch. When asked to describe the ‘59 Kolsch, Rebecca Burger, Heckler’s General Manager, said, “It is a light bodied, slightly malty, light gold colored Ale (style beer) that drinks like a Lager (style beer). Kolschs are traditionally fermented by either using a warmer temperature with a lager yeast (which normally ferments at a colder temperature) or an Ale yeast fermented at a colder temperature (usually done at a warmer temperature). We use a suitable Ale yeast that allows for a cooler than usually fermentation temperature and yields a very clear and clean beer. Overall very refreshing and great for the start of warmer weather.”
Another great highlight of Springfest! will be incredible German cuisine. Indulge in a mouthwatering menu that includes beer brats simmered in their signature Kristalweizen, succulent chicken schnitzel, traditional German-style potato salad, refreshing cucumber salad, pretzels paired with delectable beer cheese, and a delightful new homemade dessert pretzel so amazing you will think you are at Oktoberfest. The ‘59 Kolsch beer and German food will be available all three days.
If you pop by on Saturday the 4th you will be treated to Bavarian music from The Fayetteville Bavarian Brass Band. Established in 1991, this band includes talented musicians from Fayetteville who specialize in playing German-American Oktoberfest "oompah" style music.
Saturday will also feature a number of contests. First up in the Best Dressed Contest for the couple, man, woman and child that has the best traditional Bavarian attire. The winners will receive Heckler Gift cards ($50 for couples, $25 for individuals, and a milkshake for kids.)
There will also be the traditional Oktoberfest contest-the stein hoisting contest where participants will see who can hold a filled 1 liter Bavarian style beer stein with their arm outstretched in front of them. The contestant's arm must remain parallel (or no less than parallel) to the floor and cannot bend their elbow. The contestant holding their stein without spilling longer than the other contestants wins. The winner gets a Heckler Gift card ($25).
For more information on this great event be sure to visit Heckler Brewing Company’s Facebook page here: https://tinyurl.com/yvk2apje. They can also be reached by phone at 910-339-5505 and emailed at taproom@hecklerbeer.com.
Tacos & Beer at Dirtbag Ales
Dirtbag Ales is not giving you a one-day Cinco de Mayo celebration-they are celebrating ALL weekend. They describe their event as “a celebration of Cinco de Mayo and the beautiful unity that is beer and tacos.” They are located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills and will have different food trucks and music each day of the event as well as the relaunch of their Cerveza Buena beer.
Their Cerveza Buena beer was last available in Spring of 2023 and is described as “a Mexican Lager brewed with a hint of lime and mango. This refreshingly crisp lager is a great summer drink and will help keep you cool (4.2% ABV).” All weekend long they will be selling $5 Cerveza Buena pints to celebrate this comeback.
Check out the amazing lineup of food trucks and live music for this festive weekend:
Friday, May 3rd:
5 p.m to 10 p.m. -Food by Allisons Tacos & Hollywood Taco Shop
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. -Music by Whiskey Pines
Saturday, May 4th:
12 p.m. to 9 p.m. -Food by Allisons Tacos, El Toro Alebrije, Josef's Churro Truck, Taco Arepa
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Music by 1789
Sunday, May 5th:
9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Beer & Yoga w/ Kyle
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Dirtbag Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Food by Josef's Churro Truck, Authentique, EL Toro Alebrije, Flakis Mexi Snacks, Latin Flavours, R Burger, Taco Arepa, Vagabond
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. -Music @Guy Unger Band
For more information on the Taco & Beers event visit Dirtbag Ales Facebook page here: https://tinyurl.com/33n7n5dr. They can also be reached by phone at 910-426-2537 or by email at info@dirtbagales.com.

Little River Band heads to the Crown Theatre

13In a much-anticipated event, the beloved Little River Band is gearing up to play at the Crown Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Fans and rock enthusiasts alike are eager to welcome their favorite band into Fayetteville while on their 2024 American tour. After gracing states like Florida, Washington, and West Virginia, LRB sets their sights on North Carolina. Don’t miss your chance to see rock legends Wayne Nelson, Chris Marion, Ryan Ricks, Colin Whinnery, and Bruce Wallace in person.
LRB was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1975 by musicians who already enjoyed success in other rock acts over the previous years. The name “Little River Band” comes from a road sign for the Victorian township of Little River. LRB was the first Australian rock band to have sustained commercial success in America.
The late Glenn Frey, founder of The Eagles, called Little River Band “the best singing band in the world,” and their chart-topping songs prove that he was right. LRB celebrated multi-platinum albums and chart breaking hits through the 70s and 80s such as “Cool Change,” “Reminiscing,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy On Me,” and tons more. Their song, “Reminiscing” has even garnered a rare title of having over 5 million air plays on American radio.
Stephen Housden, LRB’s rock-style guitarist, has retired from touring, but encourages and helps out his bandmates while they do. LRB continues to play for sold-out audiences while, according to their website, Housden “continues to write and participate in all things Little River Band.”
The current lineup in LRB includes keyboardist and Dove Award-winning producer Chris Marion, singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce Wallace, drummer and vocalist Ryan Ricks, and lead guitarist Colin Whinnery. Alongside those four, Wayne Nelson, who joined the band in 1980, quickly became the band’s frontman with bass and lead vocals in 1999.
Bringing their classic hits and love of music around the world, Little River Band is no stranger to performing. Although they started in Australia, their initial focus was to get airplay on American radio. LRB easily achieved that goal with amazing songwriting and insane musical skills. Alongside the previously mentioned song “Reminiscing,” “Lady” follows close behind in American airplay with over 4 million airplays.
In 1981, Wayne Nelson was recognized by the world-renowned Sir George Martin, a producer for the Beatles. Martin chose Nelson to record vocals on two of the band’s biggest songs, “The Night Owls” and “Take It Easy On Me.”
Stephen Housden joined LRB that same year and was a big contributor to their string of top-10 hits.
Although none of the founding members still work with Little River Band, Nelson has been with the band for over 40 years. The band member’s commitment and love of music keep both themselves and their fans lively and excited for every show.
At the annual ARIA Music Awards in 2004, Little River Band was placed into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, don’t miss your chance to see Little River Band!
For more information, events, tickets, and pricing, visit reallittleriverband.com or by visiting the Crown Complex’s website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/little-river-band.

Wine & Design's new location takes workshops to another level

16Wine & Design Fayetteville has recently relocated to larger premises. Their new address is 2180 Skibo Rd. Ste C, situated next to Popeyes, just north of the Skibo and Raeford intersection. The decision to move was driven by their need for a space that could accommodate growth and expansion. With the new location, they can now accommodate double the number of people and introduce new workshops, such as laser woodworking.
Wine & Design offers a large range of projects.
“We offer classes that work with chunky yarn where you can knit blankets, hats, dog beds, and more. We offer door leaners and door hangers that follow seasons. Just recently, we introduced a planter for real or fake plants that is made out of the image of your pet. People love them,” said owners Mike and Jenna.
Resin workshops are also a new addition.
“Our resin workshops are really fun with all kinds of different options. From Harry Potter Wizard Houses, to light sabers, to cute cows, we paint and design different themed frames and pour resin in for a durable project you keep forever. We even offer a personalized custom resin pour family portrait.”
With May 4th, Star Wars Day, right around the corner, what would be better than a Resin 4 Foot Light Up Saber Workshop? The crew at Wine & Design are huge Star Wars fans. Participants will have the opportunity to personalize their saber to any color scheme they want. The Wine & Design artists will walk you through the whole process of how to create your masterpiece.
You are encouraged to bring your own beer, wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic beverage or snack to enjoy while you work on your project. (No liquor is permitted). The class will last for about two hours.
After the first class sold out, another one was added with the likelihood of selling out as well. Reservations are required to participate. If you are interested in signing up for this class visit: https://tinyurl.com/3y9cbwmf. You can also contact them by email at fayetteville@wineanddesign.com or by phone at 910-366-5911.
Also available May 4th is a May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Trivia & Paint Night. This class is also approximately two hours long with reservations required. BYOB or BYOW as well. To register for this workshop visit: https://tinyurl.com/42xz4cbp
Get the full list of events planned at Wine & Design on their website calendar:
https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendar/fayetteville-nc 

(Photo: Wine & Design's new location on Skibo Rd allows for more space for larger classes. Their next specialty class will center around May 4, Star Wars Day, with a resin light saber workshop. Photo courtesy of Wine & Design's Facebook Page). 

NC SciFest: Balloon powered vehicles and how they move

11

After their exciting event on all things books and STEM, NC Scifest is set to host yet another amazing and informational fair on wind-powered vehicles.
Science fairs have long been an exciting opportunity for kids of all ages and backgrounds to show off their hard work. This April, the spotlight shines on balloon-powered vehicles in the Cumberland County Public Library.
Don’t miss the chance to give you and your kids an educational and creative afternoon on April 23, at North Regional Library on 855 McArthur Road. Join the fun at 3:30 p.m. on this Terrific Tuesday!
Presented by RTI International and proudly produced by Morehead Planetarium Science Center, the NC Scifest offers plenty of chances to learn about Science with their in-person and online events.
Not only can you learn about balloon and wind-powered vehicles, but you and your children can build your very own balloon-powered car and hovercraft! Expect to be amazed by all the different types of vehicles and technologies you’ve
never seen before.
Wind-powered vehicles are considered the best for the environment and a great show of innovation. Kids will be able to learn all about how abundant and inexhaustible wind is as a resource and how it’s used to create all sorts of amazing inventions. Get the kids started on a science kick and help them learn all about the world of science through NC Scifest!
If you can’t make it to this event, don’t worry because NC Scifest has plenty more April events and fairs to choose from. Keep an eye out for other events happening throughout the month.
These events barely scratch the surface of how many opportunities NC Scifest gives to children all over North Carolina. They’ll be hosting over 400 events this month statewide for all ages and backgrounds. Admission is free to most of the events.
It’s easy to feel very inspired by NC Scifest’s mission to teach children all over North Carolina about the world of science and fuel their creativity in the process.
Because of this, many recognize the importance of teaching the next generations about science and their impact on the world.
Another wonderful way to support their cause is through sponsorships. To keep admissions free, NC Scifest relies on sponsors to keep going and welcomes organizations of all kinds to join their mission. Outside of attending and sponsoring, an easy way to support the continued success of NC Scifest is through donations.
For more events and information, visit ncsciencefestival.org. Look for the interactive map and events listing page to find an event close to you and browse their events listing page for more.

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