When Sawyer Brown takes the stage at Crown Coliseum on March 5, the performance will represent more than a night of country hits. It will mark another chapter in the venue’s ongoing effort to blend nostalgia, contemporary appeal and community connection through its Community Concerts series.
The veteran country band, known for high-energy performances and a catalog that stretches back more than four decades, remains a touring force. For Crown Complex General Manager Gary Rogers, the decision to bring Sawyer Brown to Fayetteville was both strategic and natural.
“Sawyer Brown’s rich history, crowd-pleasing catalog, upbeat concert style, and broad appeal make them a great match for a Community Concert series both as entertainment and as a draw for diverse audiences of all generations,” Rogers said.
Formed in 1981, Sawyer Brown rose to prominence after winning the television talent competition “Star Search” in 1984. The victory launched a recording career that produced numerous charting singles, including “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do,” “Thank God for You,” “The Dirt Road,” and “The Walk.” Frontman Mark Miller’s animated stage presence and the band’s willingness to blend country with pop and rock elements helped define its identity.
While musical trends have shifted across decades, the band’s consistency on tour has sustained its relevance. Rogers said that longevity resonates strongly with Community Concerts audiences.
“These are artists who have built their careers song by song,” he said. “People know what they’re getting when they come to see Sawyer Brown. It’s authentic.”
The Community Concerts series was designed to offer accessible entertainment while reflecting the broad tastes of Cumberland County residents. Rogers said that maintaining balance across genres and generations is intentional.
“By featuring a mix of veteran acts, contemporary artists gaining momentum, and varied genres from country to blues to hip hop and R&B to comedy and family entertainment, the Crown ensures the calendar feels familiar and fresh at the same time,” Rogers said. “Broad programming helps draw long-time fans and new audiences alike, reinforcing the venue’s role as a cultural hub.”
That philosophy has shaped the Crown’s annual lineup, which regularly includes legacy touring acts alongside emerging performers. The approach, Rogers explained, prevents the venue from leaning too heavily in one direction while keeping the calendar dynamic.
Fayetteville’s identity also plays a role in programming decisions. With Fort Bragg nearby and a diverse civilian population, the region reflects a wide range of cultural influences. Country music, in particular, has maintained strong ties to military communities, often emphasizing themes of resilience, home and perseverance.
Rogers believes live events offer more than entertainment value. They serve as gathering points for a city whose population is constantly evolving.
“Events at the Crown Complex are about more than entertainment — they’re about building shared identity and civic pride,” he said. “When we bring national touring artists to Cumberland County, we’re creating moments that reflect the diversity of our community and give people a reason to come together.”
Concert nights often extend beyond the Coliseum walls. Restaurants, hotels and retail businesses frequently experience increased activity when national acts perform. Rogers said that impact is measurable.
“Beyond that, every show generates real economic impact — supporting local restaurants, hotels, small businesses, and jobs throughout the region,” he said. “It also gives us opportunities to partner with local nonprofits and reinvest back into the community.”
Sawyer Brown’s March appearance continues that pattern. The band’s cross-generational appeal means parents who once listened to the group in the 1980s may now attend alongside their children. Rogers said those shared experiences reinforce the purpose of the Community Concerts series.
“There’s something powerful about hearing songs you grew up with performed live,” he said. “It creates memories.”
Live performance, Rogers added, offers something digital streaming cannot replicate. Energy inside an arena — the collective response of thousands of voices singing along — remains a defining feature of touring acts like Sawyer Brown.
“At the end of the day, live events help position Cumberland County and Fayetteville as a vibrant cultural hub,” Rogers said. “They’re catalysts for connection, commerce and community growth and we’re proud to play a role in that.”
As March approaches, anticipation continues to build among local country fans. For Rogers and the Crown team, the goal is simple: provide a seamless experience from the moment guests enter the building to the final encore.
When the lights dim and the opening notes begin, Sawyer Brown’s performance will represent not only decades of country music history but also the Crown Complex’s broader mission — to bring people together under one roof for shared moments that linger long after the music fades.
Sawyer Brown will perform at Crown Coliseum on March 5 as part of the Community Concerts series. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/sawyer-brown-the-boys-and-me-live-2026-tour, or by calling the Crown box office at 910-438-4100.

(Photo courtesy of Community Concerts)