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Tuesday, 24 June 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
The Stars vs. Stripes series is one of the most anticipated events in college baseball, bringing together 56 of the nation's top non-draft-eligible players. This annual intrasquad showdown serves as a platform for these talented athletes to showcase their skills, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball.
The fifth and final game of the Stars vs. Stripes series will be held at Segra Stadium on Thursday, July 3. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6:35 p.m.
The Stars vs. Stripes game at Segra Stadium highlights several players who are expected to be top picks in the MLB Draft. Notable first-round selections include Charlie Condon (Colorado Rockies), Hagen Smith (Chicago White Sox), and Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals).
Other standout prospects like JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals), Christian Moore (Los Angeles Angels), and Seaver King (Washington Nationals) also demonstrated why they are considered among the best in college baseball. These athletes are poised to make significant impacts at the next level.
The Stars vs. Stripes series plays a crucial role in the development of collegiate players. By competing against their peers in a highly competitive environment, these athletes gain invaluable experience and exposure.
The series serves as a training ground where players can refine their skills, learn from top coaches, and prepare for the professional ranks. It's an essential step in their journey toward a successful career in Major League Baseball.
Over the years, the Stars vs. Stripes series has been the stage for numerous historic moments and standout performances. Each game is filled with thrilling plays, from clutch home runs to game-saving defensive efforts.
These memorable moments not only entertain fans but also add to the lore of the series, cementing its reputation as a premier event in college baseball.
Fans looking to catch the excitement of the Stars vs. Stripes series can attend the game at Segra Stadium, home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, located at 460 Hay St. Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/3v8kpxsf.
Beyond the on-field excitement, the series offers additional entertainment with postgame fireworks, making it a perfect outing for families and baseball enthusiasts alike.
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening on Saturday, June 28th, with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at Gates Four, featuring a blend of classical and contemporary music, fun activities, and community spirit.
Experience the Magic of Live Music at Gates Four
Get ready to be swept off your feet by the enchanting sounds of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at Gates Four. This event promises a magical evening filled with live music that will captivate the senses. The lush surroundings of Cumberland County’s premier golf course and gated community provide the perfect backdrop for this incredible musical experience.
This concert is designed to leave a lasting impression on long-time live music fans and newcomers seeking a memorable night out. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., giving you ample time to find the perfect spot, set up your lawn chair or blanket, and soak in the beautiful atmosphere before the concert begins at 7 p.m.
A Night of Diverse Musical Performances
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam at Gates Four will feature a diverse lineup of musical performances that cater to a wide range of tastes. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the FSO String Quartet will delight attendees with arrangements of popular songs, including hits from The Beatles, Broadway tunes, and contemporary pop artists like Taylor Swift.
Following the string quartet, the FSO Jazz Quartet will take the stage from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a smooth and soulful conclusion to the evening. This unique blend of classical and jazz performances means there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The FSO will add an extra layer of fun to the night: Music Bingo, a fun twist on the classic game. Instead of numbers being called out, the FSO String Quartet will play 30-second snippets of various songs. The task is to recognize the tunes and mark them on a bingo card.
This innovative approach not only tests musical knowledge but also adds an interactive element to the evening. It's a delightful way for music lovers of all ages to engage with the performance while enjoying a bit of friendly competition.
At Gates Four Golf and Country Club, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy an exceptional experience on the 18-hole championship course. Gates Four offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. Their club remains one of the premier destinations in the golfing community, consistently ranking at the top of the list for its quality and beauty.
Gates Four Golf and Country Club is more than just a golfing destination; it offers a range of luxurious amenities and facilities designed to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors.
The Summer Concert Series isn't the only entertainment Fayetteville Dinner Theatre hosts. After a 35-year hiatus, and under the leadership of Bill Bowman, FDT also offers a unique combination of theatrical performances and dining experience, bringing top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.
Many events include a welcome reception, wine tasting, pre-show entertainment, and a three-course plated dinner prepared by local caterers.
According to Bowman, director of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, “I applaud and appreciate Gates Four Country Club’s willingness to host this free concert series for the residents of Cumberland County. This is our fifth successful concert season, but the first time we have invited the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. This is going to be a unique and fun celebration of popular and contemporary music that will have the audience engaged and participating in the FSO’s fun and entertaining musical challenges.”
Kevin Lavertu, general manager of Gates Four Country Club, said, “This will be the first time the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has performed at Gates Four. Our country club and HOA members truly enjoy the variety and quality of entertainment we bring to our community.
"Our relationship with Bowman and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre has elevated Gates Four’s stature throughout the North Carolina golfing community—being the only golf country club that hosts its own Dinner Theatre, offers free Summer Music Concerts, and proudly hosts the longest continuous golf tournament in North Carolina: the 56th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship.”
He added, “We take great pride in welcoming the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s String Ensemble and Jazz Quartet to our community for the first time. Their musical talents will bring a wonderful experience to Gates Four, Hope Mills, and all the residents of western Cumberland County.”
In addition to Gates Four and the J.P. Riddle family, Bowman and Lavertu also credit Jay and JJ Dowdy of All American Homes, Greg Adair of Rivermist fame, and Larry Parker of Certified Heating and Air Conditioning for having the vision to support and underwrite this free, fun, family musical venue.
Proceeds from the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre events are donated to Cumberland County education through the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation. The Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving literacy, education, and character development among young children across America.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam is more than just a concert; it's a celebration of community spirit and collaboration. This event is made possible through the support of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, Gates Four Country Club, and the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper. These local organizations are dedicated to providing free entertainment to the residents of Cumberland County.
Additional sponsors for this event are the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and ShineLight.
“The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is proud to sponsor the 2025 Gates Four Concert Series. Each concert this summer has been a tremendous success, enjoyed by our members and their families,” said Jordan Sturgis, director of events at the Chamber. “The series highlights the talents and contributions of many Chamber members, including the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. We are honored to support initiatives that help make the Greater Fayetteville area a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and visit.”
Their efforts ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a night of great music, dancing, food, fun, prizes, and surprises. It's a testament to the power of community-minded businesses and organizations coming together to create a memorable experience for all.
The Gates Four Golf & Country Club is located at 6775 Irongate Drive. Admission to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam at Gates Four is completely free, as is parking. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket, and invite family, friends, and even pets for an evening of entertainment under the stars.
No outside coolers, food or beverages are allowed. Food will be available for sale by Rolling Tacos, and adult beverages and water will be available for sale courtesy of Healy Wholesale. Rolling Tacos offers Mexican cuisine. They have various options, including tacos, pupusas, burritos, and quesadillas.
The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m., giving concert goers plenty of time to find a comfortable spot and enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere. There are a variety of ticket packages available for this show, including VIP Reserved Seating on the patio and in the pavilion. To see all of the ticket options and to purchase them, visit https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/shop/.
With a lineup of talented performers and a range of fun activities, this event promises to be a highlight of your summer. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
More Music to Come
• July 12th-Beggars Banquet-Rolling Stones Tribute Band
• August 8th-Shoot to Thrill-All Girls AC/DC Tribute Band
Tickets for these up and coming shows can be purchased at https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/shop/.
(Top Photo: The FSO String Quartet will be the first of two Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra quartets to take the stage at the Gates Four Summer Concert Series. Bottom Photo: The FSO Jazz Quartet will round out the evening at Gates Four. Photos courtesy of FSO)