Entertainment

Cumberland Choral Arts to perform ‘Water Works’ concert

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Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Written by Emily Sussman

Like the ebb and flow of ocean waves, the Cumberland Choral Arts has seen varied levels of membership over the years. This year has seen a tsunami of interest and activity. As the group prepares for its newest performance, “Water Works,” membership and participation are at an all-time high, according to Cumberland Choral Arts President Sandy Cage, following this season’s registration night.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the group dwindled to about 30 members.
“We came back, and it was a slow build,” Cage explained.
Previously, the group had between 60 and 80 members, and recently, it reached the 100-member mark. Cumberland Choral Arts was unsure what to expect and unsure where the registration numbers would fall this season, especially with a change in directors. The hope was to see around 85 registrants.
“The first night we were like, whoa, we’re out of music, and so we ordered more music, and then people still kept coming, and it was like, okay, we have to order more music,” She explained. “That was a really good problem.”
In part, younger singers comprise the wave of new participants, including high school seniors and first-year college students, according to Cage.
“We love having them join us,” Cage said.
The upcoming “Water Works” performance is an opportunity for the ever-expanding Cumberland Choral Arts to showcase their new talent and a new artistic director, Major Curtis Kinzey. Kinzey, who served as the U.S. Army Forces Command Staff Bands Officer before joining the Cumberland Choral Arts, served as the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division Band. Between 2011 and 2016, Kinzey directed the United States Army Chorus. He has led performances for five U.S. presidents and has conducted nationally televised performances. In addition to his storied career in the armed services, Kinzey holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance.
“We’re excited for our first concert with Curt as director. I know he’s looking forward to that,” said Cage.
“Water Works,” led by Kinzey, will feature a flowing lineup of music inspired by water. The musical selections slated for this event include folk songs, pop songs, and spirituals, all sharing a water-focused theme, featuring “Wade in the Water,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others.
Cage is most looking forward to learning and performing “I Dream of Rain.”
“The first time I heard it, I just thought it was so pretty,” Cage said.
Cage’s earworm from the performance catalogue is “Wellermen.”
“Monday night we rehearsed one for the first time, and it’s a sea shanty, the ‘Wellermen’, we have had such fun singing that one,” she said. “And it was in my head all night long when I tried to sleep, but it was a fun one. We all enjoy singing that one.”
The group does have a core membership, one of whom has been there for 30 years. While the group advertises through their web page and social media accounts, Cage says it’s word of mouth that keeps them growing in numbers.
“I think the best form [of advertisement] is by word of mouth. Just people that sing have friends and know people and invite them, people that come to our concerts, and we always say, ‘Would you like to sing with us?’ I give them the information for that, and the high school choral teachers have done a great job this year of identifying students and encouraging them to come join us,” Cage said.
The Cumberland Choral Arts, as an organization, has community-focused goals. They intend to bring enjoyment and art to the people of Fayetteville.
“You just need the arts in your life to bring joy, and music can do that, whether it is choral, or symphony, or whatever, because it just makes you smile, or it goes through your head all night long when you’re going to sleep, or it brings back memories,” Cage said.
But Cumberland Choral Arts also focuses on expanding the musical horizons of the local youth.
“One of our goals is also to be an advocate for getting younger people involved in music,” Cage said.
One of the ways the Cumberland Choral Arts accomplishes this is through its sponsorship of the Campbellton Youth Chorus, which offers students in grades 4 through 10 free participation. The youth group also sings before the Cumberland Choral Arts “Messiah” concert at Methodist University.
“We underwrote that so parents can have their kids be part of a choral group and have the opportunity to sing for the public, sing with a larger group, and sing with an orchestra,” Cage said.
The Campbellton Youth Chorus will also be participating in the upcoming “Water Works” performance with the Cumberland Choral Arts.
This performance season, the Fayetteville community has ample opportunities to take in a Cumberland Choral Arts performance.
“This is probably our most aggressive calendar that we have ever had,” Cage explained.
The group will present six performances to the community. The preparation for these events is extensive and involves multiple rehearsals. As a community chorus, the group works with a wide range of skill sets, and a significant amount of work is done both in rehearsals as a group and at home by the singers as individuals. Rehearsals for “Water Works” began in August, and it typically takes at least eight weeks to prepare for each performance.
“We have a wide range of abilities, from the very casual singer to the people who are professional singers … It’s important to us that everybody is included to have the opportunity to sing,” Cage said.
“Water Works” will be performed on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Haymount United Methodist Church’s Life Center, located at 1700 Fort Bragg Road. Tickets are available on the Cumberland Choral Arts webpage, https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/water-works, and are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Those interested can find information about the Cumberland Choral Arts’ upcoming season, as well as a bio for the new director, at https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org. 

(Photos: Above-Cumberland Choral Arts members pose for a photograph in July. The group has seen a surge in membership over the last few months, something members are very excited about. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Choral Arts Facebook page. Below-Major Curtis Kinzey directs a practice for the Cumberland Choral Arts. Kinzey is the new director of the community choir. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage)

Run, Sip & Spook: Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K returns

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Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Fall in southeastern North Carolina never looked—or tasted—so good. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K will once again bring together runners, walkers, wine lovers, and Halloween enthusiasts at the scenic Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery at 195 Vineyard Dr, Elizabethtown. This one-of-a-kind event combines the thrill of a 5K run with the charm of wine country and the playful spirit of the Halloween season.
Participants are encouraged to show up in their favorite costumes and immerse themselves in a day filled with laughter, exercise and fine wine. The race begins promptly at 9 a.m., starting and finishing at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. The course itself offers a two-lap journey through the serene grounds of Greene’s Lake Conservation Park and the adjoining vineyard property. The terrain is mostly grassy, with a cross-country feel, offering just enough challenge to keep things exciting while remaining accessible for casual runners and walkers alike. Strollers are welcome, although the path can be uneven in places. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also invited to join the fun, as long as their owners clean up after them.
While some participants come for the race, many arrive for the full experience that awaits afterward. Every registration includes a super-soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt, a shatterproof collapsible wine glass, a wine-glass-shaped finisher medal, a chip-timed race bib, free race photos, and, of course, a well-earned pour of wine for those of legal drinking age. Younger participants aged one to twenty receive a discounted registration rate, though their race packet will not include wine-related items.
The event is professionally timed and scored by J3 Timing, with results posted online shortly after the race. Top male and female finishers in each ten-year age bracket, from nine years old and up, receive custom awards. To qualify for age group awards, runners must start in the first wave at the beginning of the event. Registration is set at $50 plus processing fees.
Those unable to attend in person can still join the fun virtually. The race offers a virtual option that allows participants to complete their 5K anywhere, anytime, and still receive their swag in the mail for a small handling fee. This flexibility makes it possible for wine and running enthusiasts across the region to take part in the Halloween-themed experience.
Beyond the race itself, Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery offers a full day’s worth of experiences to explore. The on-site Cork Room Restaurant opens early for breakfast and brunch, providing the perfect post-race meal. Guests can also enjoy the vineyard’s other attractions, including boutique lakeside cottages, a day spa, distillery, museum, and tasting rooms. Families can take a stroll around the property to visit the resident llamas and small animal sanctuary, making this an ideal weekend outing for participants of all ages.
The Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K also supports a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cape Fear Distillery Conservation Foundation, which funds environmental and conservation initiatives in the Cape Fear region and beyond. It’s a fun, festive way to stay active while giving back to a meaningful local mission.
The race is held rain or shine, though start times may be delayed in the event of severe weather or lightning. Packet pickup is available on race day only, beginning one hour before the start. With its scenic setting, festive atmosphere, and perfect pairing of fitness and wine, this is one fall event you won’t want to miss. To learn more about the race and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Elizabethtown/CapeFearHauntedWineRun5k?raceRefCode=UaHJJpxU
Grab a pair of running shoes, pick out a great costume and head to Elizabethtown for a morning of running, sipping, and celebrating. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just want to enjoy a glass of wine in the crisp autumn air, the Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K promises an unforgettable experience at one of North Carolina’s most beautiful vineyards.

Beer, howls, seasonal screams on offer at Dirtbag Ales

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Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Written by Emily Sussman

Spooky season is here, and with it, a slew of fantastic Halloween-themed functions is on offer to the Fayetteville community. Each year, Dirtbag Ales Brewery has secured its spot as a tried and true source of spooky fun, and this year promises to be no different.
Kicking off the spooky week on Oct. 22, Dirtbag Ales will be playing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album in the tap room from start to finish, beginning at 7 p.m. Dirtbag Ales collaborates with a company from Raleigh called No Skips for this event. The organizer will bring custom activity coloring sheets, crafted by an artist in Durham, and share some trivia and facts about the album.
The annual Ghost and Goblin Beer Mile Run, sponsored by Rogue Alpha Athletics, is a yearly costume-filled good time. Participants are encouraged to run, jog, walk, or even crawl the one-mile course while enjoying four ten-ounce Dirtbag Ales brews. Non-drinkers and those under the age of 21 are also invited to participate and swap the beers for water.
The event will be held on Oct. 25. Check-in will be at 2 p.m., and the first wave will start at 2:15 p.m.
Tickets are $35, and participants who sign up before Oct. 20 at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/HopeMills/GhostGoblinsBeerMile will receive a free t-shirt.
Jesse, a bartender at Dirtbag Ales, is the king of seasonal costume wearing, according to Shannon Loper, Operations Manager at Dirtbag Ales. He wins annually for his most unique choice of costumes created from found objects.
“Let’s just describe Jesse as an eccentric rambler world traveler,” Loper said. “He came in as a ghost, and it was a sheer curtain that was left in the attic of his rental home.”
The same year, he also dressed up as a wizard. Jesse assembled that costume by wrapping a towel around a cowboy hat, borrowing his wife’s robe, and using a chopstick for a wand.
“Jesse took a lot of awards for staff costumes,” Loper explained.
Beer Mile participants are encouraged to come out and, like Jesse, dress for the season.
Later that evening, once it is dark enough to turn on the projector, Dirtbag Ales will be hosting the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Nosferatu. The event usually draws around 200 people.
“We love that event every year,” said Loper.
The 1922 German silent horror film will be projected on a large screen inside the tap room, accompanied by a symphonic performance of the musical score.
“My favorite thing that we do is Nosferatu, Loper said. “It makes the symphony more accessible to people; they feel like it’s easier to come to the brewery. … so, it just makes people realize how great our local symphony is.”
Attendees can also enjoy a selection of seasonal special brews at these events, including Marzen Attacks (a Marzen-style beer), Rising Sun (a new rice lager), Alt Beer (a darker German-style ale), and Blacktoberfest (a Marzen-style beer).
The following day, the brewery will be hosting its eighth Trick-or-Treat Farmer’s Market. Tickets for the event are $5 and can be purchased only in the taproom. Approximately 60 vendors will participate, and they will distribute candy immediately after the market. Tickets are limited, and they do sell out.
Dirtbag Ales is located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills. For additional information, readers can contact the brewery at info@dirtbag.com, visit the brewery’s Facebook page, or call 910-426-2537.

Police Foundation reignites historic Hope Mill’s festival

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Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Written by Anna White

A decades-long piece of Hope Mills history that disappeared in 2022 is back up and running, thanks to the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation. Ole Mill Days, loved by many as a celebration of the town’s textile milling history, was a place for family fun and shared stories. While highlights included a street dance and tractor pull that haven’t been resurrected yet, Debbie Jones, president and founder of the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation, has high hopes for the event’s future.
“We just want to build it every year and see it get bigger and bigger and bigger,” she shared, mentioning the street dance and tractor pull as goals. Jones helped the town organize the event before it shut down in 2022 due to budget constraints. Now, the Hope Mills PD Foundation is hosting it for the second year in a row, and hoping they see even more interest this year.
“We don’t have the money to pay for the advertisement,” Jones explained. The Hope Mills PD Foundation, a 501(c)3, doesn’t have any paid employees and runs completely on the volunteer power of community members who want to help raise funds for officers and their loved ones. “When I saw they weren’t doing the event anymore, I said ‘Wow, this would be a great thing for a fundraiser for the foundation.’”
Their limited budget means they depend on word-of-mouth advertising. After last year’s event, they learned that many were unaware the event was running again. This year, they want to change that.
“There are a lot of people in the community helping us, but we need to get our name out better,” Jones said. She’s putting extra effort into their Facebook page this year, and is depending on the kindness of several local businesses, organizations, and churches, who, by their support and participation in the event, bring awareness.
Jones said attendees can expect “a day of total fun,” with food and beverage vendors, arts and craft vendors, and activities for the kids.
“We’ll have the inflatables for the kids, beer for dad, and shopping for mom,” she shared, “It will definitely be a family-friendly, fun-filled day for everyone.” She said attendees can come prepared to eat their dinner, shop, and watch the kids enjoy themselves—she’s noticed that grandparents particularly enjoy the last activity.
Last year they hosted nearly 50 vendors, and this year, Jones says she’ll continue accepting vendors until the night before the event. “I’m not cutting it off until I can’t squeeze another one in!” She exclaimed, adding they have a huge space to accommodate more.
Food choices include a growing number of diverse treats. Yinzers “Pittsburgh style food for North Carlinyinz,” the Juice Queen, Dessert Kingzz, and Poppy’s Sweets & Treats, which offers funnel cakes and beignets, will be there serving mouthwatering fare. Dirtbag Ales, who, according to Jones, is a “big sponsor for the foundation,” will offer beverages.
Other vendors spanning categories from virtual reality rides, to handmade jewelry to real estate services will be there. In a series of ongoing Facebook posts, Jones highlights each vendor, giving them a moment in the spotlight and sharing the Foundation’s excitement over their participation. Several recent highlighted vendors include Wiggles the Clown Balloon Art, Hope Mills Fire Department, KG Inflatables, Jones Financial Group, Fulfillity Books & More, Fort Liberty Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and U Got Game Virtual Reality.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation, furthering their mission of serving the police officer community.
“We are here to improve the quality of life for officers and their families,” Jones explained.
In addition to providing financial support to officers and their families in need, the Foundation hosts social events like an annual ball, where attendance is free and law enforcement families are treated to a steak dinner.
As founder and president of the foundation, Jones says the mission is close to her heart, although neither she nor her family served in law enforcement. A long-time business owner in Hope Mills, Jones felt the support and protection of the department personally over the years. “The police have always been very good to me,” she shared, “they were always checking in on me and my business.”
Before the officers had unlimited Wi-Fi access while on the job, she would let them park behind her business and use the Wi-Fi as they worked. The exchange prompted her to think, “What can I do for these officers?”
One conversation with a law enforcement friend later, they formed a board and the foundation was born. Their first fundraiser was held in the parking lot of her business, where they raised close to $5,000 for an officer’s spouse with medical needs.
“It just took a citizen to decide, ‘Hey, let’s do something!’” Jones said.
Now she hopes that Ole Mill Days can serve both law enforcement and the community at large. “Please, everybody, come out and have fun and support us!” she encouraged.
Direct vendor inquiries to Debbie Jones at 910-424-4497. Ole Mill Days will be held at Hope Mills Municipal Park, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend.

(Photo: Ole Mill Days celebrates the history of Hope Mills. The day also honors the police and first responders of Hope Mills. Photo courtesy of Ole Mill Days)