Arts

Sandhills Jazz Society: Inspiring students through music, workshops, live productions

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Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner

The Sandhills Jazz Society is creating meaningful opportunities for students through engaging production classes, interactive workshops and unforgettable live performance experiences.
“This whole program consists of three different steps,” said Tina Turner, event director for the Sandhills Jazz Society. “We have a life production class, a free workshop facilitated by Dr. Jazmin Ghent and three live shows.”
She added, “All of this is because of a community impact grant through Cumberland County, so all of the classes and everything we are able to do are free of charge.”
The program is an excellent opportunity for young, inspiring artists who are passionate about music production and the performing arts.
“We are committed to nurturing their creativity while equipping them with essential technical skills that can serve as a foundation for future endeavors,” said Turner.
“Our program is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and engaging, ensuring that youth from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their talents and amplify their voices.”
The music exploration workshop takes place Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to noon. The presenter is Dr. Jazmin Ghent, an award-winning international jazz saxophonist and educator, who has quickly emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel music. Throughout her rising career, she has earned recognition as a dynamic performer and influential leader among the new generation of artists shaping the sound of modern jazz. Jazmin’s journey into the jazz industry gained momentum after her standout appearance in the Show Your Talent competition aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2014, where she captured attention with her exceptional talent and stage presence.
“Jazmin will discuss how to get into music, discuss the music industry and play some songs,” said Turner. “We decided that she would be a good fit for our music exploration workshop because she travels all over the world doing workshops.”
The live production classes, which are already in progress, aim to engage inspiring musicians in the exciting world of music production and live music creation. The culmination of classes will be a Jazz series that will allow students to work side by side with professionals.
“Our goal is to show the children from beginning to end how to do a live production,” said Turner. “In the live production classes, they are learning how to set up the cables, how to hook up the monitors and everything so by the time that they are finished, they should be able to have a really good grasp on what it takes to put on a show.”
She added, “Each class is hands-on, providing direct experience with professional-grade equipment and software and instructors.”
The live shows take place on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 30, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Ambiance of Fayetteville at 2510 Legion Rd. The live shows and workshops are free, but a ticket is required for entry. For tickets and more info, visit www.sandhillsjazz.com.
“Young people today have powerful voices and creative ideas, but they often lack the resources, training and mentorship to develop their artistic and technical skills,” said Turner.
“By providing structured workshops, professional mentorship, and access to industry-standard tools, we will nurture the next generation of storytellers, musicians and content creators.”
Sandhills Jazz Society also offers music classes inside the historic Orange Street School building.
“It is under Parks & Recreation, but we offer drums and piano classes because we are in charge of teaching the classes,” said Turner.
The organization’s mission is to promote interest in jazz music across multiple generations, to actively engage a new generation in the efforts of the society and to have fun producing the annual All-American City Jazz Festival. Access to music education and the arts is so important, especially during a child’s formative years.
“We are trying to bring more programs like this for children who are interested in music,” said Turner. “There is really a need especially with the funding being cut from schools and we’re getting great responses from the kids and parents about our music program.”
A one-week half-day summer camp will be offered in the future. Learn more about Dr. Jazmin Ghent at https://jazminghentmusic.com/. For more information or to become a sponsor, call 910-987-2426 or visit www.sandhillsjazz.com.

(Photo courtesy of Sandhills Jazz Society's Facebook page)

Beyond the blanket brigade: Quilting as art, voice, community

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

“We hear it all the time,” says Amy Allison as she talks with me about an upcoming Arts Council exhibition. “’My grandma used to quilt.’ ‘I have one on my bed.’ That sort of thing. A lot of people call us the blanket brigade. But we’re much more.”
She’s talking about the Tarheel Quilters Guild as she and other members prepare for their upcoming gallery show, Joined by Stitching: A Quilter's Art, which opens on April 10 at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County at 301 Hay St.
The Tarheel Quilters have been around for 45 years, and members enjoy monthly meetings and service projects together (including donating an impressive 400 quilts for NICU babies and veterans last year). Amy Allison serves as one of the curators of the exhibit, along with fellow Guild members Irene Grimes and Sana Moulder. They see it as part of their mission to showcase what quilting can be with over 40 handmade quilts featured in the exhibition.
But they know what you’re picturing when you hear the word ‘quilt,’ and they are ready to prove you wrong.
“Fiber arts - quilting in particular - are often categorized as either traditional craft or contemporary art,” says Grimes. “What excites me about this exhibit is that it bridges both worlds; many of the pieces are utilitarian while also expressing strong ideas and perspectives.”
Some pieces also tackle larger concerns of the artist. Allison’s quilt, titled “Save Our Water,” addresses the issue of clean water availability.
“Water treatment plants are doing the best that they can, but people like stuff, and stuff is manufactured, and sometimes there is a byproduct that is unintended and gets in our water.” For many, quilting is how they process the world.
“My quilts are where I find my voice. They are a form of reflection, advocacy and opinion,” says Grimes.
In a more meta way, the act of having a quilting exhibit is enough to challenge the art world.
“Historically, women have had few socially acceptable outlets for expressing their creativity or opinions,” remarks Moulder. “Quilting was one of the few activities society deemed ‘useful,’ and therefore permissible.”
The hope is to remind visitors that quilting is art, that the work these women do with cloth and thread is a creative process.
“I hope new quilters and textile artists see that quilting is every bit as much a form of artistic expression as painting, sculpture, or photography.”
As the Tarheel Quilters continue to share their work with the wider community, they invite viewers to look more closely at the stitches and the stories.
As Grimes puts it, “If visitors leave the exhibit understanding what the artists wanted to say, perhaps gaining a new perspective or simply feeling more curious, then we’ve done our job.”
The opening reception for Joined by Stitching: A Quilter's Art, will be held on April 10 in the main gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FSO ends Season with music, memories, new beginning

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will bring its 2025–2026 season to a powerful and emotional close on Saturday, April 18, with a special performance at Huff Concert Hall on the campus of Methodist University. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., offering audiences an evening that celebrates both cinematic brilliance and classical tradition.
This final concert, titled John Williams and His Influences, also marks a significant moment of transition for the orchestra as it bids farewell to longtime Music Director Stefan Sanders after nine impactful years. Under Sanders’ leadership, the FSO has grown artistically and deepened its connection to the community, making this performance both a tribute and a turning point.
The evening’s program highlights the legendary work of John Williams, one of the most celebrated film composers of all time. Known for his collaborations with director Steven Spielberg, Williams has created unforgettable scores for films such as Jaws, Star Wars, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The concert will feature E.T. Adventures on Earth and a thrilling Star Wars Symphony, giving audiences a chance to experience these iconic soundtracks performed live.
In addition to Williams’ music, the program will explore the composers who influenced his signature style. Selections include the Meistersinger Overture by Richard Wagner, Mars from The Planets by Gustav Holst, The Birth of Kije by Sergei Prokofiev, and The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. Together, these works create a rich musical journey that connects the grandeur of classical composition with the cinematic storytelling audiences know and love.
Beyond the music, the evening will also offer a glimpse into the future of the orchestra. During the concert, the FSO will publicly announce the four finalists being considered to succeed Sanders as music director. Each candidate will conduct the orchestra during the 2026–2027 season, which marks the FSO’s 70th anniversary. Audience feedback will play an important role in the final selection, making the community an active participant in shaping the orchestra’s next chapter.
Executive Director Jessica Munch-Dittmar expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting that the concert is both a celebration of Sanders’ legacy and an exciting step forward. The upcoming season promises to continue the orchestra’s tradition of dynamic programming and high-quality performances.
“We are excited to welcome audiences for our upcoming John Williams Concert,” remarked Munch-Dittmar. “Maestro Sanders has made a tremendous impact on our orchestra and our community, and this concert will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate his leadership and artistry while enjoying the iconic music of John Williams. As we look ahead, we’re equally thrilled to share our newly announced season, which reflects the energy, creativity, and exceptional performances our audiences have come to expect from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.”
Tickets for the April 18 concert are available online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org, by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the day of the performance. Discounts are offered for seniors, military members, and Cumberland County Schools employees. The concert is supported in part by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the North Carolina Arts Council, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, and Cape Fear Valley Health.
As the final notes of the season echo through Huff Concert Hall, the evening promises to honor the past, celebrate the present, and set the stage for an exciting future for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. The Huff Concert Hall is located at Methodist University, at 140 Robert Johnson Drive.

(Photo: Stefan Sanders, Music Director)

An Evening with Cross Creek Chorale at Trinity Episcopal

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and the upcoming Evening with the Cross Creek Chorale at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church promises an evening that will do just that.
On Saturday, March 21, the Cumberland Choral Arts will showcase the Cross Creek Chorale, a select chamber ensemble drawn from the organization’s larger chorus. The result is a performance designed to be both intimate and musically rich, offering audiences a chance to experience the power of choral music up close.
According to Curt Kinzey, Artistic Director for Cumberland Choral Arts, the upcoming concert was carefully designed to appeal to a wide audience while still highlighting the artistry and versatility of the ensemble.
“Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and eclectic program,” Kinzey said. “We’ve chosen music that spans centuries and styles, from the intricate beauty of Renaissance-style religious motets to contemporary art songs inspired by the theme of water. We’re also including recognizable favorites from Broadway and the silver screen, so there is truly something for everyone.”
While the program moves through a variety of musical eras and genres, the selections are connected by a deeper theme: the shared human experience.
“Our goal is to take the audience on a journey that inspires and entertains,” Kinzey explained. “Each section of the program highlights a different emotional perspective, reminding us of the common experiences that connect us all.”
The repertoire itself reflects a balance between familiar favorites and fresh material. Some selections revisit highlights from previous Cumberland Choral Arts concerts, while others introduce new pieces that challenge the ensemble and showcase the capabilities of a smaller vocal group.
Among the works Kinzey is particularly excited about is Johannes Brahms’ Geistliches Lied, Op. 30, a piece widely admired within the choral world for both its beauty and its technical brilliance.
“It is a true marvel of choral literature,” Kinzey said. “To the listener, it sounds serene and effortless, but the structure behind it is incredibly complex. Brahms wrote it as a strict double canon at the ninth, which means there are two simultaneous canons moving between the voice parts. It’s an extraordinary example of craftsmanship hidden beneath music that feels humble and comforting.”
Performing a piece like this highlights the strength of the Cross Creek Chorale as a chamber ensemble. While all its members also perform with the larger Cumberland Choral Arts chorus, this smaller group allows singers to explore repertoire that requires greater precision, agility, and vocal independence.
“Cross Creek Chorale is a select, auditioned ensemble,” Kinzey explained. “Working in a smaller group allows us to tackle music that demands a higher level of detail and focus. Every voice matters, and each singer plays an essential role in shaping the overall sound.”
“When everything aligns, tuning, rhythm, and expression, there is a kind of magic that happens,” Kinzey said. “It creates a performance that feels incredibly focused and emotionally cohesive.”
The concert also highlights the continued importance of community choral music in Cumberland County. Organizations like Cumberland Choral Arts provide opportunities for people from many backgrounds to come together through music while also offering audiences meaningful live cultural experiences.
“Choral music is a powerful bridge-builder,” Kinzey said. “It brings people together for a shared purpose and reminds us of our common humanity. In a world where so much of our entertainment happens through screens, there is something truly special about hearing voices blend together in the same space.” For those who may be attending their first choral concert, Kinzey offers a simple invitation. “There is something primal and powerful about the sound of human voices singing together,” he said. “Come experience it. It’s not just a concert it’s an opportunity to unplug, listen, and leave feeling more connected.”
With its diverse repertoire, intimate setting, and talented ensemble, the Cross Creek Chorale concert promises an evening where music tells stories, emotions resonate, and audiences are reminded of the enduring power of the human voice.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4dgtJkv. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 1601 Raeford Rd.

(Photo: The Cross Creek Chorale performs during Cumberland Choral Arts' Broadway show in 2024. The smaller chorale is an audition group within CCA. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage, CCA)