Arts

Cape Fear Studios' 2026 Clay Invitational is "art not to be missed"

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

The Cape Fear Studios 2026 Clay Invitational will be held until June 23, at the studio, located at 148 Maxwell Street. The studio is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The studio is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Geniece Baer, Chrisha Dolan, and Charise Kelly are featured artists in this exhibit. General admission to the 2026 Clay Invitational is free to the public. For more information, call the studio at 910 -433-2986.

Early humans discovered that clay hardened when heated. The oldest known ceramic objects were sunbaked and fire-hardened figurines and vessels used for cooking and spiritual practices. 

Artists like Bernard Leasch introduced Asian philosophies of craftmanship to the West, elevating functional pottery to fine art. Today, clay is utilized far beyond its utilitarian roots, according to James Cook, Sculptor.

Pottery has a long history in North Carolina. Native Americans were the first potters in the area, using coil methods to create bowls and jars. 

The state has a clay rich soil perfect for making pottery, and settlers realized they could create storage vessels from the earth using techniques from their previous countries. Settlements around Salem NC and in the Catawba Valley began to form potters’ communities. 

Throughout the centuries, the pottery practices grew in North Carolina, and can still be found today in Seagrove, NC. 

According to Geniece Baer’s artist biography, “Geniece was drawn to creating art. She discovered ceramics ten years ago, and continues to hone her skills. It was not until attending sculpting classes that she developed a new relationship with clay. Geniece is drawn to the precision of realistic sculptures and finds freedom with the creation of an abstract piece of art. Coffee just tastes better from one of her handmade mugs.”

“Chrisha Dolan creates both functional pottery and sculptural pieces. What began as a simple exploration of clay with friends has become an obsession. Her work is a combination of wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery made from stoneware clay, primarily fired in an electric oxidation kiln,” according to her artist statement.

“We are excited to feature the works of the three local artists, Geniece Baer, Chrisha Dolan, and Charise Kelly. Their works range from functional to sculptural and decorative pieces,” said Pandy Autry, President and artist of Cape Fear Studios. 

The Cape Fear 2026 Clay Invitational is “art too important to be missed.” 

For more information, visit https://www.capefearstudios.com/

Mostley Crue, Fear State, to play Rockn' On the River

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Rock music fans can expect an evening of high-energy performances, crowd interaction and a celebration of local music when Rock'n On the River takes place throughout the summer at Campbellton Landing. This month’s lineup, held on June 19, features Mostley Crue, a longtime Mötley Crüe tribute band from the Raleigh area, and Fayetteville's own Fear State, a modern rock band with roots in the local music scene. Although their musical styles differ, both bands share a passion for live performance and connecting with audiences.
Fear State will open the show at 6 p.m., and Mostley Crue will follow at 8 p.m.
For Mostley Crue, that connection begins with a love of classic hard rock.
"We are Mostley Crue, a Mötley Crüe tribute band based out of the Raleigh area," said lead singer Gabriel Pettit. "We've been performing together for 19 years. Our goal is to recreate the music as closely to the original recordings as possible and give fans an authentic concert experience."
Fear State takes a different approach, drawing from the nu-metal and hard rock sounds that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
"Our sound ranges from bands like Godsmack, Papa Roach and Killswitch Engage," said founder Bernie "B-Man" Mangiboyat. "It's a mix of different eras of music because of the ages of our members."
Both bands have unique origin stories. Pettit explained that Mostley Crue was formed almost by accident after a guitarist volunteered him to audition for a tribute project without his knowledge.
"I wasn't even sure I could sing Mötley Crüe's music because it's a demanding vocal style," Pettit said. "But I decided to give it a try, got the part and it's grown from there."
For Mangiboyat, the inspiration came after a life-changing health challenge.
"After my hospitalization from COVID in 2021, I wanted to put a band together," he said. "We just wanted to play live."
When asked what makes their bands unique, both pointed to the way their music connects with audiences. Pettit said he is continually surprised by how Mötley Crüe's music resonates with younger generations.
"We've had five- and six-year-olds singing along to songs from the band's first album," he said. "It's amazing to see kids and college students singing along to songs that came out decades ago."
Mangiboyat said Fear State's sound is familiar while still offering something fresh.
"We have a sound that fits the songs we cover and the music we write," he said.
Fans attending Rock'n On the River can expect plenty of energy from both bands. Pettit promises an authentic Mötley Crüe experience featuring the band's biggest hits and signature attitude. Mangiboyat offered a similar guarantee.
"A high-energy rock show is what people can expect," he said. "We give our best no matter if there are five people in the crowd or 5,000."
Audience interaction is also a major part of Fear State's performances.
"We love to engage the crowd," Mangiboyat said. "Sometimes if they're sitting there, we bring the show out to them and make them part of it."
For both bands, performing live remains one of the most rewarding aspects of being musicians. Pettit enjoys watching multiple generations of fans come together through music, while Mangiboyat sees live shows as an opportunity to help people escape everyday stress.
"I love taking people away from their everyday problems by showing them a good time," he said. "I especially love seeing kids in the audience. Maybe they'll see us play and decide they want to pick up an instrument."
Both musicians also recognize the value of community events such as Rock'n On the River. Mangiboyat noted that events like these help unite Fayetteville's music scene and introduce local artists to new audiences. He is also excited that proceeds from the concert help support the Karen Chandler Trust, which assists local cancer patients with expenses during treatment.
"It's such a great local charity," he said.
The concert itself is free, but parking costs $10. Rock'n On The River is organized by Greg Adair, and could not be possible without a sponsorship from Healy Wholesale. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs or something comfy to sit on. Outside coolers are not allowed.
Whether fans are drawn by the nostalgia of classic Mötley Crüe hits or the powerful energy of Fear State, Rock'n On the River promises an evening of memorable performances, with both bands dedicated to giving audiences exactly what Mangiboyat describes,"We give you everything we've got."

Heart, humor, harmony: Inside Gilbert Theater’s new season

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Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Written by Amber Little

I

It’s time to mark your calendars, buy your tickets, and get ready for the upcoming Mainstage season at Gilbert Theater. This year’s season is titled “Home Is Where the Heart Is”, exploring the meaning of family, relationships, love, loss, belonging and the places we call home. A mix of award-winning contemporary productions and classics, there will be something for everyone, featuring two musicals and the production that made the legendary Tennessee Williams famous. 

Kicking off the season is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin. This is a hilarious story that centers around six middle-schoolers competing in a renowned championship spelling bee, with a slight twist and the help of some volunteer audience members. Directed by the talented Malissa Borden, this musical brings an adult cast back to their pre-teen years for a wild race to be crowned the spelling bee champ. Audiences will be laughing and singing by the end of the show. 

Bringing in the holiday season this year is It's A Wonderful Life - Radio Play by Joe Landry. The production is a stage adaptation and reimagining of the beloved holiday movie about a man and the impact he has on his community. Set in a radio station, this small ensemble production pushes cast members to explore a wide range of characters vocally. It’s sure to get the entire family in the holiday season spirit. 

The first production of 2027 will be Crimes of the Heart and will be directed by former Artistic Director and Gilbert regular, Robyne Parrish. Set in the Deep South, this Southern-Gothic play is about Mississippi-born sisters Lenny, Meg and Babe, who all return to their childhood home, face old demons, heal old wounds, and deepen their bond as sisters. 

Tennessee Williams ' The Glass Menagerie is the next in the season lineup. A semi-autobiographical play set in the 1930s, this story follows a moment in the life of the Wingfield family. Considered a “memory play,” this production is filled with dream-like lighting and music to give the feeling of a memory, exaggerated, dreamlike and nostalgic. The play centers around Tom, the narrator, and his pressure to find his sister, Laura, a male suitor at the request of their mother, Amanda. 

Closing out the 2026-2027 Mainstage season on a powerful note and aligning with this year’s theme is the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey. This rock musical follows a family as the matriarch suffers from bipolar disorder. It explores mental health, grief and the definition of “normal.” Featuring electrifying scores and powerful and meaningful dialogue, this is a can’t-miss season closer. 

Artistic Director Matt Lamb is excited about the upcoming season and the productions that were chosen, saying, “This season, our productions are reminding us that home isn't always perfect. It isn't always safe, simple, or whole. It is somewhere we can return to heal, remember, and reconnect. We invite you to look for the heart in each production." 

For more information about the 2026-2027 Mainstage Season, purchase season passes or volunteer, visit online at GilbertTheater.com or call 910-678-7186. 

"10 Good Men" brings stories of World War II veterans to Cameo

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Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Written by Adam Taylor

For many Americans, World War II exists primarily through history books, grainy footage, classroom lessons and stories passed down through generations. With each passing year, the number of living men and women who experienced the war firsthand continues to shrink. Preserving their voices has become increasingly urgent, not only for historians but for communities that value remembrance and service. Audiences will have an opportunity to experience those stories in a deeply personal way when 10 Good Men arrives at Cameo Art House Theatre at 225 Hay St. for two special screenings only.
The 90-minute documentary, directed by Trent Jones and narrated by Dan Nachtrab, will be shown on Saturday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, at 4:30 p.m. The film is not rated and has a runtime of one hour and thirty minutes.
Unlike large-scale war films that rely on dramatized battles and spectacle, 10 Good Men takes a quieter and more intimate approach. The documentary centers on ten of the last remaining World War II veterans who flew the B-17 Flying Fortress during combat missions in one of history’s most dangerous air campaigns.
Through interview-driven storytelling and carefully restored historical footage, audiences are placed face-to-face with men whose memories span more than eight decades. Their stories reveal not only the technical realities of wartime aviation but also the courage, fear, friendship and determination that defined an entire generation.
The title, 10 Good Men, reflects something larger than military service alone. It speaks to character and sacrifice. These are individuals who accepted extraordinary responsibility at a very young age, often climbing into aircraft knowing there was no certainty they would return home. The B-17 Flying Fortress became one of the most recognizable aircraft of World War II, earning a reputation for durability and strength under impossible circumstances. Thousands of young airmen flew these bombers across Europe, facing anti-aircraft fire, enemy attacks, harsh weather and dangerous missions over occupied territory.
For many crews, every flight could be their last. Rather than relying primarily on experts or narration to explain the history, 10 Good Men allows the veterans to tell their own stories. Their memories are personal, direct, and often emotional. Some moments describe acts of courage under unimaginable pressure. Others reveal the humor and bonds that existed among crew members. Many recall the uncertainty that followed them into every mission. The result becomes more than a documentary about war. It becomes a portrait of people.
The film also explores the intersection of technology, tactics and human endurance. Flying a B-17 required teamwork at every level. Pilots, navigators, bombardiers, radio operators and gunners all depended on one another for survival. Yet beneath the mechanics and military strategy were young men who were often barely out of high school.
That reality creates one of the documentary's most powerful emotional connections. Today’s audiences often think of World War II veterans as older individuals whose experiences belong to a distant era. 10 Good Men reminds viewers that these men were once teenagers and young adults facing extraordinary circumstances.
For The Cameo Collective, the non-profit founded to keep Cameo open, the screenings hold significance beyond simply presenting a documentary. Cameo Collective is especially proud to bring 10 Good Men to local audiences because the themes of military service, sacrifice and remembrance have deep roots within the Fayetteville community. As the longtime home of Fort Bragg, generations of service members and military families have shaped the identity of the region.
Cameo Collective believes in investing in and strengthening the community while honoring the men and women who wear the uniform. The Cameo has many ties to the military. Several board members and staff have served or have family who have served. Presenting a film that preserves the voices and experiences of veterans reflects that commitment. Beyond entertainment, the organization views screenings such as 10 Good Men as opportunities to recognize service, encourage connections between generations and ensure important stories continue to be heard.
Veterans and military families may find powerful connections to themes of duty and sacrifice. History enthusiasts will appreciate the archival footage and historical perspective. Families may see it as an opportunity to share an important experience together, while educators and students can view it as an extension of history beyond textbooks.
Director Trent Jones appears to understand that urgency. By focusing closely on the remaining veterans, the film becomes both a historical record and a tribute. Their stories become more than memories. They become a legacy.
With only two screenings available, 10 Good Men offers a limited opportunity to witness a documentary dedicated to ensuring the stories of the Greatest Generation continue to be heard.