As summer approaches in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the stage is being set for a popular, local tradition that blends live music, community fellowship, and support for education and literacy in Cumberland County. Produced in conjunction with Greg Adair of Rivermist fame and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, the Gates Four Summer Concert Series is back for its fifth successful season, promising an exciting lineup of A-list North Carolina-based bands, good food, door prizes, and family-friendly activities, all in the natural beauty of one of the most prestigious golf country clubs in the Cape Fear Region.
Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper was the first to suggest the free concert series idea to Gates Four, and it has steadily grown into one of the area’s most anticipated summer musical events. What started as a modest idea to promote live music and showcase local talent while bringing quality live entertainment to the area has evolved into a large-scale celebration of live music, local and statewide talent, and community togetherness.
At the heart of the Concert Series' success is the vision to create accessible, high-quality entertainment free to local residents that brings people together from all walks of life. According to Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and one of the concert series’ key organizers, the idea was simple: provide a luxurious and safe space where families, friends, and neighbors can enjoy live musical performances, without having to travel long distances.
“We wanted to bring live quality entertainment to Cumberland County, especially the Hope Mills area, while providing local and regional bands an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Bowman. “By partnering with Gates Four, we’ve created a free outdoor entertainment venue for their club members, homeowners, and the general public.”
The combination of exceptional music and a picturesque setting has created something unique and special about this concert series. Gates Four Country Club provides the perfect backdrop for this musical experience with its manicured landscaping, rolling greens, ample space, and country club amenities that greatly enhance the outdoor concert-going experience.
The 2025 concert series is set to feature four high-energy shows, each offering a different musical experience and drawing in a broad audience. This season has something for everyone: rock, classical fusion, and tribute bands. Here is what to expect:
• May 24: The series kicks off with Guy Unger Band, known for their Southern rock flair, followed by Joyner, Young & Marie, who blend R&B and soul into crowd-pleasing performances. Both bands are local legends in the Southeast.
"We are incredibly excited to play this series, especially with our friends from Joyner, Young and Marie! We have had respect for each other's musicianship and professionalism for years," said Guy Unger. "We don't often get to see each other play because we are both so busy playing at different locations. So getting a chance like this is a treasure. I think it's going to be an epic night."
• June 28: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra takes the stage with a unique “Symphony Jam” that merges classical sounds with jazz, pop, and several fun interactive musical bingo games with prizes. This innovative performance will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.
• July 12: Classic rock lovers will enjoy Beggars Banquet, a tribute to The Rolling Stones, bringing timeless hits and the spirit of the '60s and '70s to life.
• August 8: Closing the series is Shoot to Thrill, an all-female AC/DC tribute band that delivers electrifying performances and raw rock energy, ensuring the summer ends on a high note.
Each concert begins at 7 p.m. and concludes around 10 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for free general seating. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, limited VIP and reserved seating tickets are available for the Gates Four covered pavilion via the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website, www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com.
While the music is the main attraction, organizers have taken great care to ensure there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event. This year, Fayetteville’s premier family fun entertainment center, Main Event, will be on hand providing fun activities, prizes, and surprises for adults and children in a designated children's area.
Food lovers will enjoy a wide selection of cuisines from two popular local food trucks, Bobby Jackson’s Ragin Rooster, and Gates Four's favorite, RollingTaco. There will be two cash bars available serving favorite beverages, free parking, and indoor restrooms. Pets are welcome to join in on the fun. No outside food and beverages are allowed.
“We’ve made some exciting new changes this year,” Bowman noted. “Most of the concerts this year will take place on Saturdays, allowing more families to attend. And now, with Main Event on board, we’re making it even more fun for the children.”
Beyond the fun and music, this concert series serves a higher purpose. A portion of the proceeds from VIP ticket sales and reserved seating go toward supporting the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes education and childhood literacy in Cumberland County. This organization was founded in 2011 to combat low literacy rates and encourage reading among young students. The Foundation raises money to create, purchase, and distribute educational materials, creating literacy-rich environments for children in underserved communities.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of Gates Four and the generosity of local businesses and community partners. In addition to Gates Four, Jay and JJ Dowdy of All American Homes, the Larry Parker family of Certified Heating & Air Conditioning of Parkton, and Mac Healy of Healy Wholesale have been supporting the Concert Series from the very beginning. This year, the Servpro Zubricki Team has signed on as a title sponsor. The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the entire Beasley Media Group, and many other prominent businesses and organizations have stepped up to ensure the Gates Four Concert Series remains free and open to the public.
“Our community sponsors are the heartbeat of our success, making this all possible,” Bowman said. “They understand the importance of community and are willing to invest in experiences and events that bring people together.”
The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and Up & Coming Weekly newspaper play key roles in the marketing, promotion, planning, and logistics to ensure each concert is well-attended and smoothly executed. Gates Four Golf & Country Club, General Manager Kevin Lavertu, and the J.P. Riddle family continue to be gracious hosts, allowing use of their gated community and facilities for the benefit of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.
As the concert series marks its fifth year, organizers are reflecting on how fast the event has grown and what lies ahead. Each year has seen growth in attendance, enhancements to the concert experience, and deeper community involvement. There’s already talk of expanding the series in future years to include more dates and a wider range of performances.
“The Gates Four Summer Concert Series has really taken on a life of its own,” Bowman reflected. “We’ve created something meaningful, not just a music concert, but a tradition that brings people together. And we’re not done yet.”
General admission is free, open to the public, and all concerts take place at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, 6775 Irongate Drive, in Fayetteville. VIP and reserved seating can be purchased online, and early reservations are encouraged due to high demand. For more information, visit the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or call 910-391-3859.
Longtime fans and first-time guests are invited to attend the Gates Four Summer Concert Series to enjoy good music, good food, and good company, all while supporting a great cause.

(Top photo courtesy of Guy Unger Band's Facebook page. Bottom photo courtesy of Joyner, Young & Marie's Facebook page)