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FSO's Community Concerts, Symphony on Tap for 2025-26

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Written by Sheila D. Barker

Experience the magic of live music this season with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's exciting lineup of community concerts for 2025-2026.
14aKick Off the Season with Nosferatu Movie Night
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is set to kick off the new season of Community Concerts with its annual Nosferatu Movie Night at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, Oct. 25. This unique event combines the eerie charm of the silent 1922 classic, Nosferatu, with a live performance by a small ensemble from the orchestra.
Enjoy a spooky evening with friends and family as you experience the haunting music that brings this silent film to life. It’s an event that promises chills, thrills, and a memorable night under the stars.
Celebrate the Holidays with Handel’s Messiah
Ring in the holiday season with the timeless tradition of Handel's Messiah, performed in collaboration with Cumberland Choral Arts. This highly anticipated concert is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. The event is generously supported by the Ralph and Linda Huff Endowment for Messiah.
This free concert has become a beloved holiday tradition, offering a magnificent blend of voices and orchestral music that celebrates the spirit of the season. Due to its popularity, reservations are required.
Side by Side Concert: A Unique Musical Collaboration
Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra performs alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. This Side by Side Concert is a unique opportunity for young musicians to gain invaluable experience and for audiences to witness the next generation of musical talent.
To attend the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's community concerts, make sure to check their website for ticketing information and reservation details at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2025-2026-family-community-concerts/.
Symphony on Tap
Experience classical music like never before with Symphony on Tap, transforming Fayetteville's local hangouts into vibrant concert venues.
Symphony on Tap is revolutionizing the way the community experiences classical music. By moving performances out of traditional concert halls and into bars, restaurants, and other event venues, this innovative series offers a fresh and contemporary twist on classical music. The program aims to break the conventional boundaries and make classical music accessible to a wider audience.
This approach creates a unique atmosphere where attendees can enjoy high-quality music in a relaxed and familiar setting. The combination of classical music with modern venues helps to demystify the genre and attract a diverse crowd of music lovers.
Symphony on Tap events are more than just concerts; they are social experiences that blend the beauty of classical music with the casual vibe of local hangouts. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or someone looking for a unique night out, these events are designed to be welcoming to all.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with exceptional music, good company, and the comfort of their favorite local spots. The informal setting encourages socializing and creates an inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover the magic of classical music.
Kickstarting the Season: Jazz Quartet at James Creek Cider House
The Symphony on Tap season kicks off with an exciting performance by the Jazz Quartet at James Creek Cider House on Sept. 13. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening, blending the smooth sounds of jazz with the cozy ambiance of the cider house.
Enjoy a refreshing drink, soak in the melodies and let the music transport you to a world of relaxation and enjoyment. This event sets the tone for the season, offering a taste of what Symphony on Tap has in store.
Socialize with fellow music lovers or simply sit back and let the tunes wash over you. These events are designed to be flexible and enjoyable. The combination of great music and a laid-back environment makes for a memorable evening out.
To keep up with the latest updates on the Symphony on Tap series, be sure to follow the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FaySymphony/#. Their page provides the most current information on event dates, times, and any new additions.

(Photo: FSO Jazz Quartet at a Fayetteville on Tap event. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)

Sweet Tea Shakespeare shows "Love is the strongest choice"

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Written by Aly Hansen
Sweet Tea Shakespeare is ready to bring the classics to the community with their 2025-26 season. It all begins with Romeo and Juliet on Sept. 18 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. 
13aThe production will run two weekends, Sept. 18-21 and 25-28, and will be an entirely outdoor event. 
"This will actually be the first time we bring this show to life down here in Fayetteville," said Jessie Wise, executive director and CEO of Sweet Tea Shakespeare. 
"Claudia Warga-Dean directs  as love and violence collide in a gritty, 80s-inspired Romeo and Juliet, set against a backdrop of boardroom battles and rebellious youth. Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s outdoor take on this iconic tragedy features a bold visual style, live pre-show music, and immersive staging that drops you right into the middle of a power struggle gone personal."
Sweet Tea Shakespeare is known for making the classics accessible for everyone. Their style allows for engagement with those who attend their productions, and they encourage those who attend to get involved in the shows. 
"It is my hope that the community walks away feeling just that: That we are a community. You don't just come for the show, you come for the relationships. We're a party where a play breaks out. We don't just want you to come see a show and leave. We encourage you to come early for the pre-show concert, get to know the company, and find your place with us," said Wise. 
The rest of STS's season includes Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the annual christmas folk concert Behold, a new company composition of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and a company adaptation of the Three Musketeers. 
"We selected this season looking at titles that were familiar, many of which feature on school reading lists, with the hopes to bring these classic stories of love and conflict to new life," said Wise. "Reading is one of my great loves and it is my hope that seeing these stories come to life onstage will encourage others to read the books as well.  I also always look forward to the new relationships that are built during each production, from working with new actors and volunteers, to meeting new audience members."
The announcement for the season was accompanied by the tagline, "Love is the Strongest Choice." Wise said that isn't so much the theme of the season as it is a motto of STS. 
"'Love is the strongest choice' is a motto we have borrowed over time from another Shakespeare theatre group. It embodies our work as artists both in what we bring to our performances and art, as well as how we work with one another," she said. 
"I think because we engrain this in what we do, it organically flowed over into our new season. Love is one of those universal themes we see explored over and over, whether it is romantic or familial, mutual or unrequited, supported or banned. We selected this season looking at titles that were familiar, many of which feature on school reading lists, with the hopes to bring these classic stories of love and conflict to new life."
In addition to their scheduled season line up, STS will be bringing back another LIT play event, an 18 and over production usually held in bars or breweries. This year, the company will be doing Romeo and JuliLIT.
"It takes the classic Shakespeare tragedy, adds some drinking games, improvisation, audience interaction, and a lot of comedic twists. We are adding an extra special twist this time around by incorporating some musical challenges the actors will encounter while trying to put on the play," Wise said. 
Sweet Tea Shakespeare's 2025-26 season is promising to be a special one for the community. To learn more about Sweet Tea Shakespeare and to buy tickets to their productions, visit the website at https://sweetteashakespeare.com/
(Photo: Brionna Autry sings during preshow for Robin Hood.Photo by Hannah Becker)

CFRT brings Dolly's 9-5, High School Musical to stage

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Written by Katie Herring

The 2025-26 Season at Cape Fear Regional Theatre is sure to be exciting, filled with shows that will be familiar to some audience members and new to others. The theatre will continue to welcome audiences to the temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive as their home on Hay Street undergoes major renovation.
No matter where they are, artistic director Mary Catherine Burke and the team at CFRT work to present high-quality productions, featuring a combination of local and “out-of-town” talent.
The theatre is kicking off its 2025-26 season with the Up & Coming Weekly sponsored musical 9 to 5 The Musical. This live musical reimagining of the 1980 film features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, who starred in the original movie. The show tells the story of three women who have had enough of their boss’s bad behavior and plot to get revenge and change the culture of their office in the process. The show is high-energy, funny, and relatable.
12aFollowing the season opener, the CFRT stage will transform into Skid Row with the show Little Shop of Horrors. Audiences may be familiar with the film from 1986, but even if they’ve never seen it, all are sure to love the story of Seymour, Audrey, and Audrey II, the giant carnivorous plant who arrives after a “total eclipse of the sun.”
As the title implies, the musical is a unique mix of horror story and musical comedy, with funny, high-energy musical numbers.
The holiday season in Fayetteville would not be complete without the Herdman kids terrorizing the town and almost ruining the local church’s annual Christmas pageant in the 35th annual production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Showcasing some of our community’s younger performers, the production features four different casts of kids, totaling over 100 school-aged actors. It’s not just a kids’ show, though; the funny, tender story is sure to be a blast for kids of all ages, the young and the young-at-heart.
The new year will have us “All in this Together” as CFRT presents the Disney classic High School Musical. The stage adaptation of the beloved 2006 film includes all the favorite songs and characters from the film, telling the story of Troy and Gabriella as they navigate the complex social structure and pressures of high school, all while putting together the annual high school musical.
Fun for all ages, this show will be sure to fill the seats at CFRT!
In March, the theatre will travel a bit farther back in time to tell the story of Driving Miss Daisy. Another adaptation of a beloved film, the play tells the story of Daisy Werthan, an elderly lady who is loath to give up her freedom when her son insists she stop driving and employ a chauffeur. An unlikely friendship blossoms between Daisy and Hoke Coleburn over a span of 25 years.
The final show in the line-up is Crowns, a gospel musical. The show is described as “a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of Black history and identity” (broadwaylicensing.com). The show tells the story of Yolanda, a young black woman who moves from Brooklyn to South Carolina and discovers the social and historical significance of hats. While there is some rap included, the show largely uses Gospel music to explore this unique but significant aspect of the culture.
Season tickets are available for purchase by going to cfrt.org or calling the box office at 910-323-4233.

(Photo: CFRT's production of Once on This Island closes out the 2024-25 season. Photo courtesy of CFRT Facebook page)

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's exciting 2025-2026 season

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Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready for a musical journey like no other with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's thrilling 2025-2026 season!
12bA Blast from the Past: Total Eclipse of the Chart: Music of the '80s
The season kicks off with Total Eclipse of the Chart: Music of the '80s on Saturday, Sept. 20. This concert promises to be a nostalgic journey back to the '80s, featuring music from icons like Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, and the Eurythmics. Held at Seabrook Auditorium at FSU, this event will be a collaboration with the world-class vocalists who brought the community 'Music of the Knights!' It's a must-see for fans of entertaining presenters and popular tunes.
Global Harmonies: Jubilate Deo
Next up is Jubilate Deo on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the First Presbyterian Church. This concert will take attendees on a global journey through Dan Forrest’s beloved work, Jubilate Deo. Partnering with the First Presbyterian Church Choir, the FSO will explore joy and praise in a unique musical style influenced by multicultural music practices. This performance is perfect for those who appreciate powerful voices and energetic orchestras.
Sip and Savor: Bach's Coffee Cantata
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the FSO presents Coffee Cantata, a chamber concert featuring Bach’s comedic piece for voice and strings. This performance, held at Arts XL at 214 Burgess St., tells the humorous story of a girl and her father arguing over love, life, and caffeine. Enjoy the immersive environment with coffee and pastries. Fans of small ensembles and musical storytelling will especially love this program.
Celebrating American Music: The Road to America 250
Celebrate the rich musical history of the U.S. with The Road to America 250 on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, this chamber concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church will feature music by American composers. It’s an ideal concert for those who enjoy small ensembles, intimate venues, and music history.
A Night on the Town
Experience the rush of city life with A Night on the Town on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Seabrook Auditorium at FSU. Award-winning bassist Kebra-Seyoun Charles will perform their original bass concerto, Night Life, alongside a gospel choir. Fans of genre-blending music will love this unique performance.
John Williams' Legacy
The season concludes with John Williams and His Influences on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. This concert will feature music from John Williams’s iconic film scores alongside classical pieces that inspired them. It’s a perfect event for those who love music that evokes character and tells a story.
Season tickets or Compose Your Own subscriptions are available to purchase, as well as single show tickets. Purchase online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2025-2026-season/ For more information about FSO's Community Concerts and Symphony on Tap, read more on page 14.

(Photo: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra reflects after a concert. Photo courtesy of FSO's Facebook page)

Cape Fear Studios holds 14th annual 2D competition

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Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Written by Lena Simmons

Cape Fear Studios presents the 14th National 2D Competition exhibition until August 27. Cape Fear Studios is located at 148 Maxwell Street, and is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The juried show features artist entries throughout the United States. Luana Luconi, Founding Member of Portrait Society of America, and North American Ambassador for the Portrait Society, is the judge for this juried exhibit.
19aTwo-dimensional art refers to all art forms that exist on a flat plane and have only two dimensions, height and width. It encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including drawing, printmaking, digital art, collage, photography, prints, and painting. The focus is on creating visual effects on the surface, such as canvas, paper, or screen. The tools of 2D art are pencil, pens, ink, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, acrylics, brushes, paper, canvas, tablets, software, and styluses.
Luconi is an Elected Master Circle Member of the International Association of Pastel Society, a portrait artist, author, lecturer, and judge. Her educational background is inclusive of Rome and Florence, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States. Her portraits of CEOs, chancellors, administrators, government officials and military leaders hang in corporate sites, universities, government buildings, museums, and residences stateside and abroad. She is a Penguin House Author. Her book “Classic Portraits; Great Faces, Step by Step” is published and distributed worldwide and has been printed in Chinese. She has authored ten instructional DVDs in the mediums of pastels, watercolors, acrylics, and oils.
See what the heart sees. See the award choices of Luconi at the Cape Fear Studios 14th National 2D Competition. This exhibit is a self-expression and sensory experience. General admission is free to the public. For more information visit the Cape Fear Studios website, www.capefearstudios.com

(Photo by Gina Gaddis)

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