Entertainment

Camellia Camerata’s inaugural concert celebrates Women

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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Written by Anna White

Women composers’ work is underrecognized and underperformed, says Amanda Virelles. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Virelles and fellow musicians with the chamber quartet Camellia Camerata will perform selections from a variety of cultural backgrounds and artistic perspectives—all composed by women.
Virelles says Camellia Camerata’s mission is “to foster a vibrant musical community that engages audiences, nurtures talent, and enriches lives through chamber music performance and education.” Their careful curation extends beyond concerts and into outreach initiatives and educational activities. Through these events, they hope attendees will enjoy meaningful artistic experiences and stronger connections within their community.
Their March 8 concert will do just that. Virelles says the program will feature works in a variety of instrumental configurations with Camellia Camerata’s four core musicians—Carlos Castilla, Holland Phillips, Megan Kenny and Virelles—performing in duets, trios, and quartet settings. “This range of ensemble combinations allows each performer to shine individually while also showcasing the group’s dynamic chemistry and versatility,” said Virelles. “By alternating between more intimate pairings and the full quartet, the concert offers a rich and engaging listening experience.”
The evening will be shaped by a range of expressive moods, according to Virelles. Some selections are lyrical and introspective, while others are bold and virtuosic. The entertaining and stylistically varied program is designed to connect the past with the present.
“By including music from earlier centuries alongside works by living composers, we aim to create a thoughtful dialogue between past and present, honoring tradition while also celebrating the vitality of contemporary creativity,” Virelles explained.
They will be performing music by Grazyna Bacewicz, Lili Boulanger, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Nadia Borislova, Clara Schumann, and Ethel Smyth.
“Their works reflect a remarkable diversity of voices, cultural backgrounds, and artistic perspectives,” Virelles said of the composers, whose work spans the Baroque era to the present day.
Reflecting on the opportunity to perform works composed by women, Virelles said, “These works are powerful, distinctive, and deeply expressive, yet they are rarely performed on today’s concert stages.”
She says they’re part of a global effort to bring the music of women composers to the forefront in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“By programming their music, we aim to help broaden the repertoire, enrich the concert experience, and contribute to a more inclusive and representative musical tradition.”
While their March 8 concert marks Camellia Camerata’s inaugural performance, it marks only the beginning of a year-long concert line-up. They are currently developing a new lunchtime concert series, which Virelles says is designed to make live chamber music more accessible to busy professionals, students and families. Additionally, they will present their first Chamber Music Festival May 1-3.
Join Camellia Camerata on March 8 at 3 p.m. at Haymount United Methodist Church for a concert featuring rich and powerful music by women composers. For more information, visit https://www.camelliacamerata.org/
“It is both a privilege and a joy to share this music,” said Virelles, “we look forward to offering our listeners a program that is inspiring, thought-provoking, and celebratory.”

Habitat for Humanity marks Women’s Month with build days, keynote dinner

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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity will mark Women’s Month this March with two signature initiatives designed to celebrate women’s contributions while advancing the organization’s mission to expand access to affordable housing. The month-long observance will combine hands-on construction training with a community fundraising dinner featuring award-winning actor and stage director Phylicia Rashad.
The events will take place throughout March and are intended to highlight the role of women in building stronger communities. Organizers say the dual focus on skills training and fundraising reflects Habitat’s longstanding approach to empowering volunteers and supporting the construction and preservation of safe, affordable homes.
Women’s Build offers hands-on training
The organization will begin its observance with its annual Women’s Build event, scheduled for March 5, 6, and 7. Participants may register for one or more of the three days. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with arrival permitted as early as 8 a.m.
The build will take place on the Fayetteville Area Habitat campus at 3833 Bragg Blvd., behind the ReStore and between 733 Bargain St. and 3833 Bragg Blvd. The event is open to women aged 18 and older and requires advance registration. The cost is $50 per participant per day.
Organizers describe Women’s Build as a celebration reserved for women and a chance to learn practical home construction and repair skills in a collaborative environment. Participants will receive instruction in drywall, plumbing, electrical basics, and tool safety. Attendees will also build a wooden keepsake to take home.
The annual build is designed to provide a welcoming space for women to gain experience with construction techniques that are often unfamiliar or intimidating to beginners. By offering instruction and hands-on learning, FAHFH seeks to encourage participation from volunteers who may not have prior building experience.
The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity campus will serve as the central location for the project, allowing volunteers to work in proximity to the ReStore and other Habitat operations. Organizers emphasize that advance registration is required to participate in the build days. To register, visit https://fayettevillenchabitat.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26465
The Women’s Build initiative coincides with International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on March 8. The day emerged in the early 20th century from labor movements in North America and Europe when women demanded better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights.
The annual observance celebrates the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women throughout history.
Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity will continue its Women’s Month programming throughout March, culminating in a fundraising dinner later in the month.
Fundraising dinner to feature Phylicia Rashad
The organization’s “Home is Where the Heart Is” event will take place on March 26 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Doors open at 5 p.m.
The dinner will feature actor and stage director Phylicia Rashad as the keynote speaker. Rashad became a household name for her portrayal of Claire Huxtable on the television sitcom “The Cosby Show,” a role that earned her widespread recognition and numerous honors and awards.
Her acting career has included appearances in NBC’s “This Is Us,” the Fox television series “Empire,” and Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s Peabody Award winning series “David Makes Man” on the OWN network.
Organizers say the event will serve as both a celebration and a fundraiser, bringing together supporters, volunteers, and community members to highlight the impact of Habitat’s work in the region.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Single tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://fayettevillenchabitat.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26620
Proceeds from the dinner will help fund Habitat’s core programs, including the construction of affordable housing, critical home repairs, and youth education programs focused on routine home maintenance and repair.
Habitat for Humanity’s work in affordable housing is part of a broader international movement that began decades ago. In 1973, the Fullers took the Fund for Humanity concept to Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. After three years of work launching a successful house-building program there, they returned to the United States and brought together supporters to discuss the future of their vision.
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. Since then, the organization has grown into a global network focused on expanding access to decent housing.
More than 62 million people worldwide are building their futures on their own terms through access to safe and stable housing, according to Habitat for Humanity.
Connecting local action to global mission
The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Month programming reflects the broader Habitat philosophy that housing stability can transform lives and communities.
The Women’s Build provides a tangible opportunity for volunteers to learn construction skills while contributing to Habitat’s work. The fundraising dinner offers a chance for the community to support those efforts financially while celebrating the achievements of women.
Together, the events are designed to strengthen community engagement and support the organization’s long-term goals.
Encouraging community participation
Organizers encourage women to register early for the Women’s Build, noting that participants must sign up in advance to attend. The event is structured to ensure that volunteers receive guidance and training throughout the day.
Participants who choose to attend multiple build days will pay the registration fee for each day they attend. The schedule remains consistent across all three days, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m.
The hands-on nature of the event is intended to foster confidence and practical knowledge while creating a supportive environment for participants to work together.
The March 26 dinner is expected to draw supporters from across the region. With limited tickets available, organizers say the event is intended to create a shared space for supporters to learn more about Habitat’s mission and contribute to its future work.
Affordable housing remains a central focus
Habitat for Humanity’s approach to housing centers on collaboration between volunteers, donors, and partner families. Funds raised through local events help support the construction of new homes and the repair of existing ones for families in need.
Youth education programs funded by Habitat teach routine home maintenance and repair skills, helping families sustain their homes and build long term stability.
The Fayetteville Area Habitat affiliate’s events in March are designed to support those ongoing efforts while recognizing the contributions of women in the community and beyond.
The landscape of blue collar work is changing. As more women enter trades this is a timely event that encourages women to leave the desks and roll up their sleeves. The work is often rewarding and maximizes women’s innate fine motor skills.
Participants can develop new skills and contribute directly to Habitat’s work. The “Home is Where the Heart Is” dinner will bring the community together to celebrate and support affordable housing initiatives.
By connecting local volunteerism with a global mission, Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity aims to continue expanding access to safe and affordable housing in the region.
Registration for the Women’s Build is open, and tickets and sponsorships for the March 26 dinner are available while supplies last.

(Bottom photo: Phylicia Rashad will be the keynote speaker on March 26 at the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity's Home is Where the Heart Is dinner at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity)

Sawyer Brown: Decades of country energy comes to Crown

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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

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)

YMCA of the Sandhills to Host Summer Camp Kickoff February 21

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Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Written by Staff Report

Free and open to the public, families are invited to visit the Y  and learn about 2026 Summer Day Camp & Teen Programs  
 
The YMCA of the Sandhills invites families to the 2026 Summer Camp Kickoff on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Fayetteville YMCA and Saleeby Family YMCA in Cameron.  
YMCA Summer Day Camp registration will open March 3 at 8:30 a.m., but Camp Kickoff is a great way for parents and kids to meet camp staff, explore activities, and get answers to questions about registration, program schedules , and camp locations during this fun meet-and-greet event. 
“Summer Day Camp at the Y gives kids a chance to make new friends, stay active, learn new skills, unplug from screens, and have fun in a safe, supportive, welcoming place all summer long,” said Chealsea Sias, Association Director of Youth Development for YMCA of the Sandhills. “Our kickoff event is a great way for families to get a preview of the fun and growth that awaits this summer.” 
The Fayetteville Y will host the Camp Kickoff for kids in Cumberland County, and the Saleeby Family Y’s event is for kids in Harnett County. Parents and teens will also have the opportunity to learn about the Y’s Leader in
Training and Counselor in Training programs for teens at summer camp, where teens can grow their leadership skills and confidence.   The Y also offers its “Get Summer” program specifically for teens aged 12 to 18 in the
community. The Y provides a free summer membership with access to all the Y’s amenities, plus teen-only activities, trips, competitions and connections with community partners and mentors. “We’re focusing on overall well-being, including our teens’ physical and mental health, while also eliminating financial barriers that families may face,” Sias said.