On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Gates Four Country Club ballroom will be transformed into a beach music wonderland, complete with live music, food, and dancing-Shag dancing, of course.
From noon until 6 p.m., beach-goers can eat, tap their toes to the sounds of classic beach music performed by KHP recording artists Classic Soul, and take a spin on the dance floor, all in the comfort of the air-conditioned ballroom, and all for a great cause. The Beach Blast is a fundraiser that will benefit the CARE Clinic of Fayetteville.
Beach Music 101
Beach music is a style made popular in the Carolinas in the 1950s. It combines many styles that may include Rhythm and Blues, Soul Music, and a little bit of Disco. Truly, the genre defies strict definitions.
According to Dr. Warren McDonald, local beach music performer, “When you ask the question, 'What is Beach Music?' you will hear a wide variety of answers. Some may try to define the genre; some may simply describe the feeling they get when they hear that special sound. Old School DJs will tell you something different than guys that have only been playing in bands for a few years. Shag dancers will have different definitions from the fans of the bands. You may hear varied answers depending on which state the person lives in or was born in.”
Suffice it to say that beach music blends cultures, styles, and sounds from a lot of different traditions. In the decades since it was made popular by bands such as the Embers, the Catalinas, and the Entertainers, it has moved from outdoor beach venues at Myrtle Beach—and others up and down the North and South Carolina coasts—to venues all over the US and even some international destinations.
Classic Soul
Classic Soul is the musical trio that will provide the entertainment for the Beach Blast. The group is composed of three musicians who have been performing beach music separately and together for years.
Warren “Doc” McDonald founded the group, The Expressions, in the late 1960s, which quickly became very popular across North and South Carolina, and beyond. The group performed with music legends, such as the Drifters, the Coasters, the Temptations and Four Tops, Clifford Curry, and many more. He was an early collaborator at the Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival.
In the 1980s, he played with Sea Breeze and later with the final iteration of the Fabulous Kays.
Terri Gore is known throughout the world as the “Original Carolina Girl.” She possesses a rare vocal ability that distinguishes her both as a top performer and recording artist.
She has won numerous awards for her music, including 19 Carolina Beach Music Awards; Female Vocalist of the Year 5 consecutive times from 1996 to 2000; and two Solo Album of the Year awards. Gore has recorded with artists such as the Embers, the Catalinas, the Chairmen of the Board and the Legends of Beach. Terri had her own group for many years, The Kruse Band, and was also featured for many years with The Coco Loco Party Band.
Fessa’ John Hook of the Rhythm and Beach Network said it best when he stated, “Terri Gore has become a part of both the culture of the Carolinas and our musical conscience.”
Keith Pollard started playing music around 1972 in a hometown band called Harmony, Inc., playing bass guitar and singing. Later, he was in a group that specialized in playing oldies and Motown.
In the 80s, he joined some former members of the Castaways, a group called “Split Image,” also playing oldies, Motown, country and covers of popular music of the time. Before long, he connected with Beach Music Hall of Fame musician Al Williams, and they, along with Ron Stancil and Charlie Clark, formed the Time Machine Band.
Keith played keyboard and trumpet for over 15 years with this group. This led to a move to work with Tommy Black and Blooz, and finally The Carolina Breakers. His hits include “I Love You 1,000 Times” (CBMA nominated), “Beach Boogie and Blues” which Pollard wrote, “I’ve Been Lovin You Too Long” and “You’re The One.”
Shag Dance
Beach music and Shag dancing go together like peanut butter and jelly; you can have one without the other, but why would you want to?
True to that idea, there will be opportunities to hit the dance floor at the Beach Blast. If you are new to shag dancing and have always wanted to learn, you are in luck. Award-winning performers and instructors Chris and Angela Jestes will be at the Beach Blast to demonstrate their skill and help others learn this high-energy, fast-paced dance.
Joining Chris and Angela on the dance floor will be National Shag Dance Champion, Tucker Brown and his partner.
The CARE Clinic
All of the proceeds raised at the Beach Blast will be donated to the CARE Clinic of Fayetteville. The name stands for Compassion, Assistance, Referral, Education; according to their website thecareclinic.org
“Our mission is to provide free, quality healthcare to the low-income, uninsured adults of Cumberland and bordering counties.”
Since 1993, the clinic has offered basic medical and dental care, provided by medical professionals-doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, dental assistants, and pharmacy techs-who volunteer their time and expertise to the clinic patients.
Located at 239 Robeson Street, the Clinic relies on volunteers, grant funding, and community support, including funds raised by events such as the Beach Blast.
It’s a winning combination for a great summer afternoon: food, outstanding music, fun dancing, all in an air-conditioned ballroom, and all for a good cause. Individual tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door, and are available by contacting thecareclinic.org or reaching out to wgmphd@aol.com. Corporate tables can also be purchased for $750.
Don’t miss out on the food, music, and fun on Sunday, Aug. 17, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Gates Four County Club.

(Top Photo: Classic Soul will be playing at the Beach Blast at Gates Four. From left to right: Warren "Doc" McDonald, Terri Gore, and Keith Pollard. Photo courtesy of Dr. Warren McDonald.  Bottom Photo: The Gates Four Golf and Country Club will be playing host for the CARE Clinic Beach Blast. Photo courtesy of Gates Four Facebook page)