Prepare for an evening of great music, laughter and celebration among friends and community members with Showtime at Seabrook, hosted by the Fort Bragg & North Carolina Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. This special music event brings soulful hits and beach music alongside an admirable cause — supporting scholarships for service members and their families.
Al Aycock, president of the AUSA Fort Bragg & North Carolina Chapter and retired U.S. Army major general, said of the event, “If you love music that makes you get up and wanna dance, this is the kind of music that you wanna listen to.”
As a first-of-its-kind music event held by the AUSA, the show is a unique collaboration between Fayetteville State University, the performing artists, Chairmen of the Board and Classic Soul, and AUSA to bring classic beach music to a community that loves the genre and has shaped it over the decades.
“I’m a master’s degree graduate of Fayetteville State, and I’ll do anything I can to support that university. They were there when I needed them, and I’ll be there when they need me,” said Aycock.
Dr. Warren G. McDonald, a member of the Classic Soul trio, also serves on the university’s Board of Trustees, which played a role in him suggesting the idea for this event and getting it off the ground.
“It means something to me to be able to do it right on that campus and that beautiful auditorium,” said McDonald.
The event will take place at Fayetteville State University’s J.W. Seabrook Auditorium at 1299 Murchison Road on Saturday, Nov. 14. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the show will get underway at 7 p.m., lasting until 11 p.m. No meal service will be provided, but attendees can enjoy soft drinks, wine, beer and water.
The Chairmen of the Board, active since the 1960s, were influential to the Carolinas’ beach music sound and have played numerous shows domestically and abroad. Some of their most well-known songs include “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” “Everything’s Tuesday” and “Carolina Girls.” Classic Soul has been performing beach music for around 15 years and are known and loved across the region.
“We have been a part of the same family for years, and we’ve drifted together,” said McDonald of the partnership between Classic Soul and the Chairmen of the Board. “[Ken Knox] enjoys giving back to his community, and I enjoy giving back to mine.”
Proceeds from this event will go toward the AUSA Scholarship Fund, which benefits military families.
“The Association of the United States Army is a 501(c)(3) that supports soldiers, family members, veterans and Department of the Army civilians. Any one of those who is a member of AUSA can apply for a scholarship. We’ve given out over $700,000 in scholarships to the military community since we started this,” said Aycock.
“This is a gift that always continues to give. There are some things that you can give to people, and it’s just gone, but this is education. This is something that lasts forever for the folks who were there,” he continued.
The J.W. Seabrook Auditorium offers balcony, box and floor seating with a capacity of 1,132. Tickets are going at the following prices:
• Balcony: $25
• Floor: $30
• VIP Floor: $50
• Box Seats: $60
Buy tickets for Showtime at Seabrook at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/58360815/showtime-at-the-seabrook-fayetteville-seabrook-auditorium-fayetteville-state-university?gclid=&utm_source=chatgpt.com.
If you’re unable to attend, consider buying a ticket to gift to a service member. You’ll still be able to show your support for the AUSA Fort Bragg & North Carolina Chapter while providing someone who has served with a free evening of musical entertainment.
Outside of Showtime at Seabrook, it’s also possible to support this AUSA chapter in other ways. You can become a member of the AUSA, donate money, sign up to volunteer or become a Community Partner if you own a business or organization.
View the chapter page for more information on all the ways you can help at https://www.ausa.org/chapters/fort-bragg-north-carolina-chapter.
Reach out to the AUSA Fort Bragg & North Carolina Chapter at fortbragg@ausa.org or 910-396-3755 for any questions about the event or opportunities to contribute.
“This is all about positivity; this is all about having a good time and enjoying yourself,” said Aycock. “When you’re listening to music and you’re dancing, it’s hard to think about anything negative.”