Entertainment

Kickstart New Year goals with local vendors

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The New Year, Better Me! event is designed with you and your aspirations in mind. Held at Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar on Sat., Jan. 18 from noon to 5 p.m., this event aims to bring together a variety of local vendors who can help you kickstart your new year goals. Whether you are focusing on health, wellness, beauty, or personal growth, there will be something for everyone.
“We have several vendors planned! To name just a few: Fusion Salon, Vascular Institute of Pinehurst, Fit for Life, Drip Wellness & Aesthetics, First Citizens, and more. Our vendors will be ready to provide information and guidance for a range of goals that one may have. We hope to have demonstrations as well! In addition, Dirty Whiskey will feature a special drink menu for this event,” said Kat Ferrera, manager of Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar.
Engaging with the community is an essential element for achieving success. The New Year, Better Me! event emphasizes the importance of connecting with local businesses and resources. By building relationships within the community, attendees can gain access to valuable support systems and networks that can aid in their personal and professional growth. This event provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and discover readily available resources in our backyard.
No community event is complete without delicious food and great entertainment. At the New Year, Better Me! event, attendees can enjoy a variety of local cuisines from the food truck Authentique and the on-site restaurant, Napkins. These local eateries will be serving up delectable dishes to satisfy taste buds while exploring the event.
As the day progresses, event-goers will also be treated to live music from a local favorite, The Guy Unger Band. Their performance will add a lively and festive atmosphere to the event, making it a fun and memorable experience for all attendees.
Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar is committed to supporting and spotlighting local businesses. By hosting the New Year, Better Me! event, they provide a platform for local vendors and distillers to showcase their products and services. This dedication to the community is evident in their choice of vendors and the local distillers they patronize for their craft cocktails.
Their love for North Carolina and the local community shines through in every aspect of this event. Dirty Whiskey hopes to offer new ideas and support to friends old and new, helping them plan for a successful new chapter in life. By bringing together local resources and creating a lively, supportive environment, they are championing the success of local businesses and individuals alike.
Ferrera shares her hope for the New Year: “My hope for the new year is to continue to grow my staff’s and my own strengths and talents while increasing awareness of this cool little lounge I’m so pleased to help guide!”

10th Annual Carolina Country Music Awards: Celebration, awards, honors the Carolina’s brightest stars

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025

Written by Amber Little

It’s time to throw on your cowboy boots and finest attire for the greatest display of talent in country music in the Carolinas. Celebrating a decade of honoring singers and songwriters, the Carolina Country Music Awards is bringing the fun and the tunes back to North Myrtle Beach on Jan. 18 at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theater, located at 701 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC.
The red carpet event starts at 4 p.m. and the show at 6 p.m. General Admission is $29 and Preferred Sitting is $79. Unlock the ultimate experience with the VIP Fan Experience, featuring red carpet access, artist meet and greet, drink tickets, appetizers, and a CCMA commemorative t-shirt and collectors coin. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.carolinacountrymusicassociation.org/carolina-country-music-awards.
The Carolina Country Music Awards has solidified its place as an annual stable in the region, giving a stage and accolades to the area’s up-and-coming talent and industry veterans.
As always, the CCMA’s will be jammed back full of performers including Christopher Nelson, Velvet Rodeo, Garrett Huffman, and Julia Holden. With 24 acts set to hit the stage, the awards are a grand display of Carolina's talent. Executive Director of the Carolina Country Music Association and host of the CCMA’s, Christy “Sweet Tea” Andrulonis is over the moon about the performers, awards, special guests, new venue, and some new elements that will excite the audience.
“This year’s event is happening at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre. It’s the perfect setting for celebrating country music and the talented artists in our region. This year, we’re introducing new interactive
elements for attendees to engage with the artists and the music, as well as a revamped fan-voting component that gives fans even more say in certain categories,” Andrulonis explained.
The CCMA has 13 categories for artists to be nominated for and winners are chosen through a combination of fan votes and an industry panel. Andrulonis explained the process.
“Artists are nominated through a combination of industry recommendations, public submissions, and fan engagement. Winners are chosen based on a blend of fan votes and a panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair and inclusive process.”
A list of nominees can be found on the CCMA website. The Carolina Country Music Association has built a legacy with the CCMA and in its tenth year, they are proving why with the lineup of special guests slated to be in the building and perform. Sure to make waves and get the crowd going is Leah Seawright and Mark Herndon of the band Alabama. Also attending is Grammy-nominated, ACM and AMA Award winner, Ira Dean of Trick Pony.
The Blue Pickups Band, the CCMA’s first-ever Entertainer of the Year, will hit the stage for a full circle moment and a reminder of how impactful the CCMA are for the region's country music artists. This year’s awards will also see some new awards and recognition for people who are truly making a difference in the community, no matter how big or small.
Andrulonis said, “Special awards this year include Damien Horne receiving the Carolina Country Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame Induction. Damien and his band, [The] Magi, performed at the 2022 Dogwood Festival here in Fayetteville. Additionally, 7 Branch Arena from Robeson County will receive the ‘Sweet Tea Making A Difference Award’ for their fundraising efforts for western NC hurricane relief, local fire departments, and other non-profit organizations.”
The 10th Annual CCMA’s wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing sponsors. This year’s event sponsors include Bryan Honda, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, Healy Wholesale, Law Tigers, and Bill Bowman, publisher of Up and Coming Weekly.
“Their support is invaluable in making this event happen,” Andrulonis said.
Andrulonis’s (“Sweet Tea” to those who know and love her) passion for the awards is proven year after year in the care and detail that she puts into bringing this massive event from paper to stage.
“Music has always been a passion of mine, and leading the CCMA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. My husband, Jeff Andrulonis, and I have nearly 30 years of experience in radio ownership, specializing in country music and classic rock. Together, my husband and I have built a network that connects listeners to the music they love while supporting the artists who make it. It’s been an incredible journey watching the CCMAs grow from an idea to the vibrant celebration it is today.
"We always hoped it would become a platform for artists to shine, but the success and community support have exceeded our wildest dreams. Each year feels like a step toward honoring the heart and soul of country music in the Carolinas. I’d like to thank the entire Carolina Country Music Association team, our incredible sponsors, and, of course, the fans who make this event possible year after year. Special thanks also go to the artists for sharing their talent and passion with the world,” Andrulonis said.
Next year’s event is already in the planning stages, “We’re already brainstorming some exciting ideas for next year, including expanded categories, bigger venues, and special tributes to the past decade of country music excellence. Stay tuned!” she said.
This year’s nominees can be heard on the Carolina Artist Showdown, broadcasting daily on 100.1 Carolina Country (Fayetteville), 93.9 Carolina Country (Myrtle Beach), and 106.3 Carolina Country (Wilmington) owned and operated by Andrulonis and her husband. Local artists can submit their music online at https://www.carolinacountrymusicassociation.org/https-www-carolinaartistshowdown-co.

Parade downtown celebrates MLK Legacy, Jan. 18

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

“If you cannot fly then run. If you cannot run, then walk, if you cannot walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, have to keep moving.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Parade is a tradition that represents the life, teaching, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Fayetteville Cumberland County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee presents the 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m., in Downtown Fayetteville.
“My passion for the MLK Parade was spearheaded by Mrs. Lula Crenshaw, and Reverend Aaron Johnson,” said Stanely Ford, Chair, FCCMLK Committee. “My position allows me to follow in the footsteps of Mrs. Milo Slocumb, Mr. Floyd Shorter, Dr. Wilson Lacy, and Ms Belinda Grant. Ms. Belinda Grant had been the key coordinator to the MLK Parade progress for years. She ensured that Dr. King’s vision challenged the family and inspired the youth to achieve positive social change.
"Social change can be inspired by motivational speeches. The parade promotes innovation. I have been reaching out to several diverse groups, organizations, churches, colleges, businesses, Cumberland County Schools, and City Departments for this parade to be an inspiration for all ethnic groups and meet the needs of surrounding communities. Nevertheless, it requires time, effort, and perseverance. The organization is dedicated to advancing communities through programs that include food/clothing distribution, family nights, music, food trucks, family and youth wellness, financial classes, housing issues, employment, and community involvement. My vision for the MLK Parade in the future will be music in the downtown park, food trucks, family entertainment, theater plays, vendors and one to two days of celebration dedicated to the MLK Parade and Festival.”
Ford shares leadership aspects as modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King translated to 21st-century youth, “The aspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in my view, has not resonated with some of the youth in the 21st century. Therefore, the FCCMLK Committee may revisit some of the proven strategic objectives to align with Dr. King’s vision. Instruct them on the value of integrity, including demonstrating a character that embraces the environments and traditions of diverse groups. It takes courage to face challenges and changes, but it is important to remain motivated and keep moving forward when we come face to face with roadblocks. Wellness programs are essential to assisting the youth with the tools of understanding their critical thinking processes to have an effective quality of life.
"The ability to lead robustly is necessary for communities to achieve equality, promote growth, and provide social change for youth, provide social change to combat prejudice, and strive for Dr. King’s message for peace and harmony.”
Ford talked about the five major teachings of MLK.
“The youth must understand how to address oppression, language barriers, segregation, social media, technology, laws, and how the local/federal government operates. They must understand different processes of these layers to hold them accountable for negative outcomes. The skill sets to meet the demands of the 21st-century global economy are comprehension of strategies for a coalition with all ethnic groups in America. The youth needs the resources to address the consequences of racism and unfair job opportunities.
"It is vital for young people to collaborate with diverse youth ethnic groups, set goals for education, support one another, and dedicate their lives to empowering all diverse groups to social change. The Black Lives Matter Movement sparked concern when different ethnic groups collaborated to bring about positive civil rights changes through social media websites and global demonstrations due to the power of the youth. Dr. King promoted ethnic pride, unity, recognizing experiences, promote unity, and cultural awareness.”
Celebrate the Martin Luther King Legacy with the Fayetteville Cumberland County Martin Luther King Committee at the MLK Day.

(Photo: The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will be held in downtown Fayetteville, Jan. 18. The parade will help celebrate the legacy and life of MLK Jr.  Photo courtesy of Downtown Fayetteville's Facebook page)

Celebrate Lafayette’s Bicentennial with the FSO

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening filled with enchanting French melodies. The concert, titled 'Sounds of Lafayette', promises to be a musical journey through time, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Lafayette's visit to Fayetteville 200 years ago. Attendees can look forward to a carefully curated selection of French compositions performed by talented chamber ensembles from the FSO.
As part of the celebration, Music Director Dr. Stefan Sanders will provide insightful commentary throughout the performance, offering a deeper understanding of the music and its historical context. This unique blend of education and entertainment makes “Sounds of Lafayette” an event not to be missed.
The Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Fayetteville in 1825 was a momentous occasion, marking a significant chapter in American history. As the last surviving general of the American Revolution, Lafayette's farewell tour was a celebration of his contributions to the fight for independence and his enduring legacy.
Two centuries later, Lafayette's visit continues to resonate with the people of Fayetteville. His journey symbolizes the enduring friendship between France and the United States, as well as the shared values of liberty and democracy. Together with the Lafayette Society and the American Friends of Lafayette, the FSO will be celebrating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s journey to Fayetteville. The “Sounds of Lafayette” concert serves as a tribute to this historical touchstone, reminding us of the lasting impact of Lafayette's contributions to our nation and city.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has long been a cultural cornerstone of the Fayetteville community. With a mission to educate, entertain, and inspire through music, the FSO has enriched the lives of countless residents through its diverse programming and community outreach initiatives.
“Sounds of Lafayette” is a testament to the FSO's commitment to celebrating local history and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. By bringing together talented musicians and engaging storytelling, the FSO continues to uphold its reputation as a cherished community treasure.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary celebration of music and history! “Sounds of Lafayette” will take place on Sat., Jan. 25 at First Presbyterian Church located at 102 Ann Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the night of the concert. Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees. Secure your tickets today and be part of this special bicentennial celebration!