Entertainment

Stylin' Country concert sure to get audience singing and dancing along

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Wednesday, 25 August 2021

Written by April Olsen

The Gates Four Summer Concert Series is back this month with the penultimate show of the 2021 season featuring Tim Hair with Indian Outlaw on Aug. 28 at the Pavilion.

“We are a southern, high-energy band,” said Tim Hair, the front man of the group. “We want to get the crowd involved, we want them singing and dancing along.”

The seven-member band includes: Tim Hair on lead vocals; Jeff Eisemann on drums; Kevin Freeman on violin, cello and mandolin; Gina Gerard on keyboard, flute and harp; Dale Nelson on acoustic guitar; John Parker on bass guitar; and Ken Pittman on electric guitar.

The band has been together for about a year, but individual members have decades of experience performing and entertaining audiences.

“Jeff and I have known each other for about 10 years,” said Hair. “Jeff knew the others.” The band came together with the intent of performing at fairs, festivals and doing theater shows. “We didn’t want to play clubs late at night anymore.”

Eisemann focused on putting together the best performance band he could, picking talented musicians from across the state. Band members live from Sandford to New Bern but come together for rehearsals and live shows.

Hair has been performing as a Tim McGraw tribute artist for about 18 years, but “I’ve always been singing,” he said.
Hair sang in church growing up and performed in concert choir while attending the University of Mount Olive. Later he sang at weddings and then clubs.

People told him he looked like Tim McGraw many times, so as a joke, he attended a McGraw concert in the late 90s wearing the singer’s typical fashion of jeans, cowboy boots, hat and T-shirt.

“I was bombarded by people,” Hair said. Some thought McGraw was walking through the crowd, some wanted to get their picture taken with him. At one point a security detail surrounded him.

Hair decided to enjoy the experience and, being a fan of McGraw, began doing tribute shows, even performing in Las Vegas as part of Matt Lewis’ Vegas ShoWorks Entertainment. He’s also had a few opportunities to perform with McGraw on stage in 2001 in Charlotte and in 2014 in Raleigh. Hair sang back-up vocals during a virtual concert McGraw performed last year during the pandemic.

Once, Hair took part in a “magic trick” at a McGraw concert. At the beginning of the show, McGraw’s security people walked Hair through the crowd to the stage. “It was an illusion,” Hair said. While the audience focused on Hair, the real Tim McGraw was hidden in the crowd to be revealed as a surprise when McGraw came out of hiding and started singing.

Although he won’t be hiding anywhere at Gates Four, Hair said that is the kind of fun he and Indian Outlaw like to deliver to audiences.

“The guys in the group are super excited to be playing [at Gates Four]. It is our first time here as a band,” Hair said. Hair has performed shows in the past at the Crown and at the Cumberland County Fair.

“We come to have a great time and put on a good show,” he said.

Indian Outlaw will perform three sets. The first two are a Tim McGraw tribute. “We perform his hits from the early days up through ‘Humble and Kind’ and a couple off his new album,” Hair said.

“The third set is other fun songs, more southern rock,” he said. That set list includes songs to get the audience singing along such as “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Chicken Fried.”

Tickets for Stylin Country: Tim Hair with Indian Outlaw are available for purchase online at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com. Tickets include dinner and the concert with lawn seating (bring your chair). For VIP tables, group rates or more information, call 910-391-3859.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the meal is served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The concert is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. There will also be a complete line of beverages available at full-service cash bars. Concierge table service will be provided for VIP tables inside the Gates Four Pavilion.

The Gates Four Summer Concert Series is sponsored by realtor Jay Dowdy of All American Homes, Piedmont Natural Gas, Up & Coming Weekly, Healy Wholesale and Gates Four Golf & Country Club.

For more information about Tim Hair and Indian Outlaw visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/107438679278378.

Local boxers set to compete in Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament

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Tuesday, 20 July 2021

Written by Audrey Hogue

Boxing is a sport that takes a lot of practice, determination and heart. Amateur boxing is a lot like checkers - you never know who you will be competing against, says local boxing coach Juan Verdejo. Professional boxing is like chess because the boxers have time to plan and strategize for their competitors.

When he trains young boxers at Burgess Boxing & Fitness in Spring Lake, Verdejo said he focuses on speed and endurance. With growth and experience comes control. Verdejo said that speed and control are important because throwing random punches might not land any hits. But endurance helps carry you through the fight.

“Throw a combo and get out, don’t stick around for the other guy to learn your moves and get hits in,” Verdejo said.

This is a training focus Coach Verdejo uses when preparing boxers for bouts, like the upcoming Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament scheduled for July 23-25.

Burgess Boxing & Fitness owner Tony Burgess said he only likes his fighters to fight twice a month because the sport takes a toll on the body. He wants to make sure that his boxers get plenty of rest and recovery. COVID restricted several boxing tournaments and training schedules in the last year, and some gyms shut down. Burgess and Verdejo are glad to see competitions restarting as more pandemic restrictions are being lifted.

“My favorite fights to see are little kids and the girls because they really get in there and fight. There isn’t a lot of dancing around,” said Burgess.

His gym offers training to all interested in learning the sport of boxing. Participating in tournaments in not required, but many do. Verdejo said he enjoys helping young boxers learn and participate. For many, boxing is an outlet that gives them purpose and a positive outlet.

The Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament will take place July 23-25 at Freedom Courts Sportsplex located at 3126 Gillespie St. in Fayetteville. Local boxers will have the opportunity to compete against other amateur boxers from across the state.

The public is invited to attend the tournament. For more information call 910-890-5534.

The tournament is named for Christy Martin, a worldwide sensation in the boxing ring. Martin is often credited with legitimizing women’s boxing. Martin had 49 wins (31 by knockout) when her then-husband and trainer, Jim, put her in the fight of her life. In 2010, he attacked Christy in their home when she tried to leave him. Jim stabbed Christy several times and shot her. Christy was able to get out of the house and flag down a passing motorist who took her to the hospital. Christy survived and was able to testify against Jim, helping to convict him. Jim remains in prison in Florida.

Christy Martin will be in Fayetteville this week and is scheduled to speak at Rape Crisis of Cumberland County. The public is invited to hear her story of survival at 6 p.m. on July 22. Rape Crisis of Cumberland County is located at 519 Ramsey St.

Pictured above: (Left) Gym owner Tony Burgess, far right, poses with a fighter and training team after a bout.

Pictured Below: (Right) Coach Juan Verdejo, on right, trains boxers of all ages to compete in the ring.

Pechmann Fishing Education Center offers free Boy Scout merit badge clinic, other classes this month

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Tuesday, 03 August 2021

Written by Staff Report

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville has released its August class schedule which includes a fishing merit badge clinic for Boy Scouts on Aug. 28.

“Fishing is the 4th overall activity preferred by Scouts,” said Thomas Carpenter, center director of the Pechmann Fishing Education Center. “Our workshop is led by Boy Scouts of America certified angling instructors and volunteers who guide the Scouts through all the requirements needed to earn their fishing merit badge.”

Carpenter added that offering these types of opportunities helps to develop young leaders who may potentially become the future of wildlife managers and conservation influencers, a key mission of the Wildlife Commission.

The Boy Scout clinic is free, is limited to 50 Scouts, and Scout Leaders must contact Carpenter Thomas at thomas.carpenter@ncwildlife.org to register.

Other free classes offered at the Center this month include:
Aug. 7: Family Fishing Workshop, 9 a.m. – noon for ages 7 and older.
Aug. 10-12: Beginning Fly-tying Course, 6:30 – 9 p.m. for ages 12 and older.
Aug. 11: Introduction to Fly-casting, 6 – 8:30 p.m. for ages 12 and older.
Aug 13: Entomology for Anglers, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 18: Reel Women Fishing Adventure League – Rod Building Primer, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (virtual)
Aug. 19-20: Introductory Fishing for Adults, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Basic Rod Building Course for Women, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aug. 24: Fly-fishing Basics: Creating Hand Tied Leaders, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 26: Fly-tying Forum, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for ages 10 and older.
Aug. 28: Boy Scout Fishing Merit Badge Clinic, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for active Scouts 11 and older.

Courses are led by Wildlife Commission staff and trained volunteers. A North Carolina fishing license is not required to take any of the classes. Registration for all clinics and classes is available online at ncwildlife.org/learning/education-centers/pechmann, or by calling 910-868-5003.

The John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville was built in 2007 and is the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s newest education facility. It’s the only fishing education center of its kind in the state. Center instructors teach a variety of aquatic programs to anglers of all ages and abilities, usually free of charge. The Center is funded by grants and the sales of recreational licenses offered by the Wildlife Commission.

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input.

The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.

For more information or to purchase or renew a fishing, trapping and hunting license and renew a vessel registration online at ncwildlife.org.

Pictured above: The Pechmann Fishing Eduation Center offers several free classes in August to anglers of all ages. (Photo courtesy the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center)

Local fencing academy open to all

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Written by Audrey Hogue

Fencing is not a sport targeted toward any particular age, gender or social status, and Coach Gerhard Guevarra believes it offers a place for everyone.

The All-American Fencing Academy of Fayetteville offers great opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn the sport of fencing.

“Our academy is not some big sports program, this is a place for people of all different athletic backgrounds,” said Coach Guevarra, also the owner of the Academy. “Most people come to us because their child or themselves wanted to do fencing and didn’t know there was a spot in Fayetteville to do that. All we can say for those who don’t know fencing or are skeptical about it, ‘hey come try it out,’” he said.

The All-American Fencing Academy is an official registered school of USA Fencing and the North Carolina Division of USA Fencing.

Guevarra has been coaching since 1999, and brought fencing to Fayetteville through the Pine Forrest Recreational Center. In 2008, he moved the program downtown to open his fencing studio, the All-American Fencing Academy. Guevarra continues to compete nationally and internationally. He competed in the 2006 Vancouver World Cup and has won several North Carolina Division Championships.

Students at the Academy can compete locally, regionally and nationally. Some have qualified for National Championships and some have qualified for Junior Olympics. Some fencers have been recruited and continue to fence for Division I, II, and III university fencing teams.

The All-American Fencing Academy currently has between 30 to 40 students ranging from the lowest age of 7 up to students in their 60s. The beginner classes start on the first week of the month and are for those who have never fenced before. This class teaches the basics, history and proper blade work for fencing. There is a membership option for students who want to continue to pursue fencing, which offers one scheduled class and additional open fencing nights.

The Academy also offers a class for adult learners too — the 40+ class — for those who are interested in the art of fencing but didn’t realize it until later in life.
Private lessons are available based on coach availability.

For those who are just looking for something new and fun to do in Fayetteville, or maybe want to learn more about fencing before committing to a class, the Academy offers a Fourth Friday walk-in class every month, except July. Anyone ages 7 and older can participate for just $10 a student.

All-American Fencing is located at 207B Donaldson St. in downtown Fayetteville. For more information call 910-644-0137, email info@allamericanfencing.com or visit www.allamericanfencing.com/#welcome.