Fayetteville’s summer music scene will end on a high-voltage note this August as Shoot to Thrill, the nation’s premier all-female AC/DC tribute band, headlines the final installment of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series. The performance is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the scenic Gates Four Golf & Country Club.
The Aug. 8 concert marks the grand finale of the fifth annual summer series, a season that has offered Cumberland County residents a mix of live music, food, family fun, and community pride. Shoot to Thrill brings a thunderous close to a series that’s become one of Fayetteville’s most beloved traditions.
Formed in Raleigh, North Carolina, Shoot to Thrill is a powerhouse ensemble of seasoned female musicians who recreate the explosive energy, swagger, and sound of rock legends AC/DC. With precision instrumentation and electrifying vocals, the band covers hits from AC/DC’s expansive catalog, including Highway to Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long, T.N.T., and, of course, Shoot to Thrill.
The group features Wendy “Angus” Brewer on lead guitar, Tracy H. as Brian Johnson on lead vocals, Amanda D. on rhythm guitar, Kate C. on bass, and Sarah T. on drums. Their chemistry on stage and attention to detail have earned them national recognition, viral video acclaim, and a loyal fanbase across the East Coast and beyond.
Unlike many tribute bands, Shoot to Thrill doesn’t just cover songs they embody the AC/DC experience, delivering high-voltage rock performances while flipping the traditionally male-dominated rock genre on its head.
“Every member of this band is a talented musician in her own right,” noted one regional review. “Together, they create a show that is both authentic and fresh, bringing a whole new dynamic to AC/DC’s legendary sound.”
The concert on Aug. 8 not only celebrates the end of another successful summer series but also highlights the commitment of organizers to combine entertainment with impact.
“Shoot to Thrill is the perfect closer,” said Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly and a key organizer of the series. “They bring an intensity and crowd energy that mirrors what we’ve tried to build over five seasons something powerful, exciting, and totally inclusive.”
Bowman said the Gates Four Summer Concert Series was founded to offer top-tier entertainment for the Fayetteville community while creating a platform for regional talent and charitable outreach. He described the concert series as “a gift to the community,” one made possible by local sponsors and community partners.
“This is about more than music,” Bowman added. “It’s about creating moments that bring people together and making sure they’re meaningful.”
The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and friends for an evening of loud, unapologetic rock-and-roll. In addition to the music, attendees can expect: Savory and sweet food offerings, two on-site cash bars with wine, beer, and mixed drinks, A VIP Pavilion seating option for those looking for a reserved and shaded concert experience. In addition, there is free parking, indoor restrooms, and pet-friendly policies for maximum comfort.
Though general admission is free, VIP reserved seating is available for purchase through the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com, and is expected to sell out quickly. The concert series encourages guests to enjoy the open space, mingle with neighbors, and experience a performance that’s equal parts nostalgia and electric celebration.
The Gates Four Summer Concert Series was launched five years ago to enhance Fayetteville’s live entertainment scene and offer residents a free, high-quality alternative to ticketed events and long-distance travel. Hosted on the well-manicured grounds of Gates Four Golf & Country Club, the event has become a go-to summer experience.
Over the years, the series has featured a diverse lineup from local jazz quartets and blues bands to symphony ensembles and rock tribute acts. This season’s performers have included the Guy Unger Band, Joyner, Young & Marie, Beggars Banquet (a Rolling Stones tribute), and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. But beyond the music and hospitality, there’s a philanthropic purpose behind the event.
Proceeds from VIP ticket sales benefit the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation; a local nonprofit committed to increasing childhood literacy and access to educational materials throughout Cumberland County. The foundation collaborates with area schools, libraries, and parents to provide free resources that support early literacy and lifelong learning. Local businesses and civic partners play an essential role in keeping the concert series free and accessible. Title sponsors include All American Homes, Certified Heating & Air Conditioning of Parkton, and ServPro, among others.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber, Beasley Media Group, Healy Wholesale, Rocket Fizz, CSI, and Main Event have also contributed, ensuring that both logistical support and family entertainment are seamlessly woven into the event’s structure. The inclusion of Main Event this year has been a major enhancement, providing a family-friendly play zone and ensuring the concerts remain inclusive to attendees of all ages. As the sun sets on Aug. 8 and the lights come up on the outdoor pavilion, Shoot to Thrill will take the stage not just as entertainers, but as representatives of everything the series stands for: community, connection and unforgettable live performance. With a thunderous setlist and a mission to empower through music, their performance is expected to draw record crowds and deliver one of the most memorable nights of the season.
As Bowman said in closing, “We’re proud to have built something that feels like Fayetteville; energetic, diverse, and filled with heart. This final show is going to be something special, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there.”