Entertainment

Fit for a Queen: CFRT presents "Crowns"

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Katie Herring

As Cape Fear Regional Theatre winds down its 2025-2026 season, it is going out with a bang, presenting the high-energy, hilarious, and heartfelt musical Crowns. This gospel musical is full of familiar songs and new ones alike, with a small cast of characters telling a timeless story of community, heritage, and identity.
Crowns tells the story of Yolanda, a young woman who moves back to her family’s home in Darlington, South Carolina, from New York City. She moves in with her grandmother after experiencing a tragic loss. She soon finds herself rooted in the culture of the Black church, where she begins to find, through songs and stories, belonging and hope, even healing.
The show’s director, Allyson Tucker, sings the praises of the small, tight-knit cast. She says that there are “no words” for the vocal power and blending that the group is able to achieve. Among the 7 principal actors, and alongside a strong cohort of understudies, there is a combination of local Fayetteville talent and some who come from a bit farther away. There are some familiar faces to those in the audience who frequent the theatre, while others are making their CFRT debut. The play focuses primarily on the female characters, with one man playing all the men in the story. Randy A. Davis, who also serves as the show’s choreographer, plays The Man and represents husbands, brothers, and the preacher.
The crowns referenced in the title refer to the big, beautiful hats that are a staple of Black church culture. A significant aspect of Black church culture is the belief that you appear before God as best as you can, and for the ladies, that includes your hat. As explained by Tuckers, women’s hats are a source of pride without being boastful, and represent a leveling up, that a young woman has earned her place in the community and her right to wear her crown. For performances of Crowns at CFRT, audience members are welcome and encouraged to wear their crowns. Make sure your crown won’t block the view of the other queens (or kings) behind you.
This season finale show is for everyone. While the focus of the story is on Black history and culture, the core themes of the story are universal: the importance of community and belonging. Tucker says, “We all need to belong, whether it is in a biological family or a chosen one.” She invites everyone, regardless of background, to “come with an open heart and tissues; know that [you] belong; leave the real world outside and imagine a better world.”
While the story is emotional and has a serious message, it tells the story in a way that is “hilarious, sassy, and unapologetically female.”
Cape Fear Regional Theatre rates this show as PG. According to their website, “this musical contains themes of grief, racial and cultural identity, and emotionally charged gospel moments; suitable for teens and adults, with parental guidance under 11.”
Crowns will be performed at 1707 Owen Drive, as the theatre’s renovation project on Hay Street is still ongoing. Tickets are available through the theatre’s website at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233. Audiences are reminded that CFRT tickets are only sold through their website; tickets sold through third-party sites could be invalid or overpriced. Don’t wait to get your tickets, as performances are already selling out.

Rock'n On the River returns to Campbellton Landing

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

As summer settles into Fayetteville, the sounds of live music will soon echo along Cape Fear River as Rock’n On the River returns for another year. What began as a single concert has grown into one of the city’s summer traditions, offering a free, family-friendly space where music and community come together. Now a staple of the local entertainment scene, Rock’n On the River has built its reputation on consistency and variety. The free concert is held at Deep Creek Outfitters at 1122 Person St. on the third Friday of the month throughout the summer. Concerts begin at 6 p.m.
“Formed in October 2018, thanks to Mac Healy and Healy Wholesale’s donation, it started with one year-end concert,” said Greg Adair, the series’ organizer. “That first show introduced the venue and let people know about a few dates we planned for the following summer.”
By 2019, the series established its rhythm, setting performances on the third Friday of each month, a strategic choice that helped avoid conflicts with other local events.
The series has steadily evolved from those early beginnings.
“We went from three concerts yearly to five by the start of 2022, after COVID,” Adair said. “I wanted to make it bigger and better afterwards.”
That growth reflects not only the popularity of the event, but the demand for accessible live entertainment in the Fayetteville area.
“It’s one of the very few options left,” Adair said. “Especially since the scaling back of other venues in recent years.”
At its core, Rock’n On the River is driven by a simple but meaningful mission.
“To have a local, family-friendly, free option of entertainment on the Cape Fear River,” Adair said.
Accessibility has helped the series become more than just a lineup of concerts. It’s a place where families gather, friends reconnect and the community unites.
“It makes me happy to know that I could bring things together to make people smile for a few hours,” Adair said.
The sense of community extends beyond the audience and into the structure of the event itself. Adair’s built Rock’n On the River around a network of local partnerships, intentionally limiting sponsorships to Fayetteville-based organizations.
“Only local partners are used or advertised, and only one partner in each field,” said Adair. “Healy Wholesale is the sponsor of the whole series, and it could not happen without them.”
Additional partners include local media, businesses and service providers, all contributing to the event’s success while maintaining a strong community-centered identity. The series also partners with Karen Chandler Trust, a nonprofit cancer support organization, with half of the proceeds from the alcohol tent directly helping local individuals and families facing cancer.
Adair shared that diversity in music is essential to the experience.
“It’s such a refreshing thing to see a place where people are happy.”
That spirit of connection and celebration carries into this year’s lineup, which features a mix of rock, pop, southern rock and variety bands designed to appeal to a wide audience.
“Always mix it up some,” Adair said.
The season opens May 15 with a dynamic pairing of Reflections II and Shoot to Thrill, an all-female AC/DC tribute band that has become a crowd favorite.
“Reflections II is a great three-piece variety band that’ll play a big mix to warm the crowd up,” said Adair. “The girls AC/DC, Shoot to Thrill, is a stellar show. Crowd favorite.”
Tribute bands play a central role in the series, offering audiences opportunities to reconnect with the music they grew up with.
“In this venue, the crowds love older bands and can go back to those days by watching these bands emulate the artists,” Adair said.
That energy continues in June, when Fear State and Mostley Crue take the stage for a night dedicated to high-energy rock.
“Rock, rock, and more rock,” said Adair. “Fear State primarily does hard rock covers, and Mostley Crue is a really great copy.”
Come July, the focus shifts to local talent, highlighting the Guy Unger Band and Joyner, Young, Marie & Friends, two well-knowns in the Fayetteville music scene.
Adair stated it is invaluable to support homegrown performers, like the Guy Unger Band and Joyner Young & Marie.
“They’ve been fantastic performers and staples in our community for many years and have large followings too.”
The emphasis on local musicians reinforces the series’ commitment to supporting the community while giving audiences a chance to experience familiar favorites.
In August, the series leans into a Southern rock theme with Harley & Big Country, followed by ZZ Top Notch, a tribute to the iconic rock band ZZ Top.
“Southern Rock night,” Adair said. “Harley & Big Country will be a perfect lead-off.”
The season concludes in September with Krossroadz and Heart Breaker, a tribute act featuring music from Heart and Led Zeppelin.
“Krossroadz is a newer variety band that will play to many,” said Adair. “The perfect lead-off for Heart Breaker. Great group.”
When asked what first-time attendees can expect at Rock’n On the River, Adair described the experience as simple but memorable.
“A great show,” he said, noting that, while the performances mirror the energy of the bands they emulate, the atmosphere remains family-friendly, with onstage language and gestures kept appropriate for all ages. The concerts strike a balance between high-energy entertainment and a relaxed, welcoming environment. Guests can enjoy food from Deep Creek Grill and adult beverages from the Healy tent. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, and non-clear bags will be checked for security by Bear Dewberry to help ensure a safe experience. Many of the traditions and fan-favorite elements have become part of what keeps audiences coming back each year. Behind the scenes, however, bringing the series to life takes considerable effort.
“A lot of hard work and long, hot days,” Adair said. “Tons of planning and praying.”
Sponsors, partners and volunteers are essential to the success of Rock’n On the River.
“Without them we wouldn’t be doing it,” Adair said. “They are THE engine. Healy Wholesale and Mac Healy ROCK!”
That same sense of appreciation carries into how he views the role of the concert series in the community.
“So important. And this one is a winner,” he said. “From the folks that work the venue to the fans, it’s such a refreshing thing to see a place where people are happy.”
That sense of joy and connection continues to define the experience and is a big reason audiences return year after year.
As the 2026 season approaches, Adair hopes attendees walk away with more than just memories of a great show.
“Hope they leave happy, and singing the songs all through the weekend,” he said. For him, the series represents something much deeper than music. “It’s my flagship. My vision. My work,” Adair said. “And it comes together by what we all want for our community. No division, no hate, no turmoil. There are many great people still left in this town, and this is one of the places I get to see them. Here at Rock’n On the River.”
As the music fills the air along the Cape Fear River once again, Rock’n On the River stands as a reminder that sometimes the simplest moments with good music, good people and a shared space are what bring a community together. Rock’n On the River is a free concert open to the community. Parking is $10. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, but no outside coolers are permitted. For more information and updates, visit https://bit.ly/4edF7y8.

(Top Photo: Reflections II.  Bottom Photo: Shoot to Thrill.  Photos courtesy of Greg Adair)

Fayetteville History Museum celebrates America 250

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

The Fayetteville History Museum is preparing to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a series of exhibits and public programs designed to connect local history with the broader American story.
The celebration is part of the lead-up to the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Fayetteville, the museum’s efforts will highlight the city’s colonial roots and its ongoing role in shaping the cultural and civic identity of the region.
Located at 325 Franklin St. in downtown Fayetteville, the museum will feature rotating exhibits and special programming expected to begin in late spring and continue throughout the year. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it an accessible destination for residents, visitors and school groups alike.
The exhibit lineup will explore key themes tied to early American history, including the Revolutionary War era, the formation of local government and the everyday lives of people who lived through the nation’s earliest years. Organizers say the displays will include historical artifacts, documents and interactive elements designed to bring the past into focus for modern audiences.
In addition to exhibits, the museum plans to host a range of community events, including guided tours, educational workshops and family-friendly activities. These programs aim to foster deeper engagement with the material, encouraging visitors to consider how national events have shaped Fayetteville’s development over time. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to present a more inclusive view of history. By incorporating multiple perspectives, the museum aims to offer a fuller understanding of the people and experiences that contributed to the nation’s founding and evolution.
Fayetteville’s historical significance provides a strong foundation for the commemoration. Established in the 18th century, the city played a role in early political and economic life in North Carolina and continues to serve as a hub for military and civic communities. That layered identity allows the museum to draw connections between the past and present, particularly as the nation approaches a milestone anniversary.
Organizers say the programming is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from students learning about American history for the first time to longtime residents interested in exploring the city’s heritage in greater depth. The museum is also encouraging visitors to engage beyond the exhibits by reflecting on their own family histories and connections to the broader American narrative. Community participation is expected to be a central component of the celebration. By creating opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences, the museum hopes to foster a sense of connection and reflection as the country prepares to mark 250 years of independence.
The Fayetteville History Museum’s involvement in the semiquincentennial underscores the importance of local institutions in preserving and interpreting history. Through its exhibits and programming, the museum serves as both a repository of the past and a space for ongoing conversation about the meaning of that history today.
For additional information about exhibit schedules, group visits or upcoming events, community members can contact the museum directly at HattiePresnell@fayettevilleNC.gov or by calling 910-433-1458. As Fayetteville joins communities across the country in preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the museum’s efforts offer a reminder that history is not only something to be remembered, but something to be explored, questioned and carried forward into the future.

Paddle Battle serves up purpose, unity, impact

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

The sound of paddles meeting plastic balls will echo across Rowan Park on Saturday, May 16, but the real impact of the Fayetteville Young Life Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament will reach far beyond the courts.
Hosted at 725 W. Rowan St., the tournament invites players of all skill levels to compete in an open doubles format while supporting a growing youth ministry rooted in connection, mentorship and community. Registration is $40 per person or $80 per team, and participants will be placed into beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions. The day begins with round-robin pool play before advancing top teams into a single-elimination bracket. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m.
Presented by Chick-fil-A Skibo Square and Teasley Ayers CPAs, the event blends competition with a festival atmosphere. Food vendors, music and community engagement will surround the courts, transforming the park into something closer to a neighborhood gathering than a traditional tournament. Every participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while winners in each division will earn championship prizes, including custom YETI Ramblers and cash awards.
Still, to understand Paddle Battle, one has to look past the structure of the brackets and into the purpose behind them. For Dr. Randy Griffin, committee chairman of Fayetteville Young Life and a retired Army chaplain, the tournament is less about winning and more about what happens in between the points.
“This is not your normal pickleball tournament,” Griffin said. “It’s a community gathering. It’s fun, it’s music, it’s people coming together in a way that feels welcoming and unified.”
That sense of unity is not accidental. It is foundational to Young Life, an international nonprofit ministry that operates in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Though its global reach is expansive, Fayetteville’s chapter is relatively new, officially launching in August 2020 after years of groundwork.
Griffin’s connection to the organization began long before. While serving as a garrison chaplain at West Point, he watched his youngest son become involved in Young Life as a high school student. What started as participation quickly became transformation.
“It really changed the trajectory of his life,” Griffin said. “He stayed involved through high school and college and eventually went on staff full-time. Seeing that kind of impact up close—it stayed with us.”
When Griffin and his wife began considering life after military service, they carried that experience with them. Fayetteville, a city defined by its military ties and constant movement, felt like a place that could benefit from the same kind of relational ministry.
Building it, however, required patience, assembling a volunteer base, forming an adult committee and raising the initial operating budget. By the time Fayetteville Young Life officially launched, it had already become a labor of conviction. Today, the ministry is sustained not only by its volunteers and staff, but also by community-driven fundraising efforts like Paddle Battle.
“Every Young Life area needs events that help support the mission,” Griffin said. “A lot of places do golf tournaments, but we wanted something different, something that felt more accessible, more engaging.”
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, offered that opportunity. Last year’s inaugural tournament exceeded expectations, drawing players and spectators from across the region.
“It was incredible,” Griffin said. “The turnout, the energy, the way people connected, it was clear we had something special.”
That success led to a simple decision: make it annual.
But Paddle Battle was never meant to be just a sporting event. Griffin is careful to describe it as something broader, something intentionally designed to reflect the heart of the organization behind it.
“As a chaplain, you’re always looking for ways to bring people together,” he said. “That’s what this is. It’s a space where families, service members, and the community can gather and just be together.”
That philosophy shapes every detail from the open invitation to all skill levels to the layout of the event itself. Courts are only one part of the experience. Around them, vendors set up, music plays and conversations unfold in the spaces between competition.
It’s that environment Griffin believes leaves the most lasting impression.
“We want people from all walks of life to feel like they belong here,” he said. “Every background, every story, this is a place where it doesn’t matter. You come, you’re welcomed, and you’re part of something.”
The proceeds from the tournament reinforce that mission in practical ways. Every dollar raised goes directly into sustaining Fayetteville Young Life’s operations, supporting programs, purchasing supplies and creating opportunities for youth engagement throughout the year.
“It all goes back into the ministry,” Griffin said. “It helps us continue doing what we’re called to do: showing up for young people in this community.”
Even with its emphasis on connection, the competition itself remains real. This year, organizers have refined the tournament structure to ensure more balanced matchups, particularly in the advanced division, where Griffin expects a heightened level of play.
“There’s going to be some serious competition,” he said with a smile. “We’ve made adjustments, and this year the brackets are going to be strong.”
But when the final point is scored and the prizes are handed out, the lasting takeaway may not be who won. In a city shaped by transition where families arrive, serve and often move on, moments of shared experience can be fleeting. Paddle Battle offers something different: a pause, a gathering, a chance to belong, if only for a day. And for Griffin, that may be the true victory.
“We hope people walk away understanding that we’re here for the community,” he said. “This is about unity. It’s about creating something meaningful together.”
Registration closes on May 11. For more information and to register, visit https://nc220.younglife.team/paddlebattle2026.