Entertainment

Anne Wilson brings Christian sound to Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Contemporary Christian artist Anne Wilson will take the stage at Crown Coliseum, bringing a night of worship, modern country influence and personal storytelling to Fayetteville on March 13.
Wilson, whose breakout single “My Jesus” introduced her to a national audience, has quickly become one of Christian music’s most recognizable voices. Blending faith-centered lyrics with a contemporary country sound, she has built a following that extends beyond traditional church settings.
Crown Complex General Manager Gary Rogers said Wilson’s broad appeal made her a natural addition to the venue’s lineup.
“Anne Wilson’s Contemporary Christian Music and modern country appeal, major chart and streaming success, strong live draw and heartfelt storytelling make her a compelling addition to the Crown’s lineup,” Rogers said. “She brings both dedicated fans and broader audiences together for a memorable concert experience in Fayetteville.”
Faith-based concerts have long been part of the Crown’s annual programming. Rogers said those events often create a distinct atmosphere compared to other touring shows.
There is a noticeable sense of anticipation before the doors even open, he said, as many attendees arrive as organized groups rather than individual ticket buyers.
“Group sales and church participation play a huge role in concerts like this,” Rogers said. “When churches and community groups attend together, it helps us build strong energy in the room long before show day.”
That collective participation shapes the experience.
“These events become more than just concerts, they become shared experiences,” he said. “We see groups of all ages coming together, coordinating transportation and inviting others through word-of-mouth. That kind of engagement strengthens both attendance and the overall atmosphere.”
Rogers said those partnerships extend beyond a single performance.
“For us, it’s also about relationships. Working with local churches and community leaders helps position the Crown as a trusted gathering place, not just for one night, but for future events as well.”
Wilson’s performances are known for weaving personal testimony into her setlist. Between songs, she often shares stories about faith, loss and perseverance elements that have shaped her songwriting. Rogers said that combination of music and message resonates deeply with audiences.
“From what I’ve heard, Anne Wilson’s show is part concert, part testimony and part communal experience,” Rogers said. “She combines a high-energy performance, sincere storytelling and amazing moments that stay with you long after the show ends. I guess the fan will have to come to the show to find out.”
The Crown’s ability to host diverse programming from blues and country to comedy and Christian music reflects its broader mission, Rogers said. By offering a range of genres throughout the year, the venue serves a wide cross-section of Cumberland County residents.
Faith-centered concerts, in particular, often draw multigenerational audiences. Families attend together, church groups coordinate outings and community leaders encourage participation.
“It becomes something people share,” Rogers said.
As anticipation builds for Wilson’s performance, Rogers expects a strong turnout from both longtime fans and newcomers discovering her music through streaming platforms and radio airplay.
For the Crown team, the focus remains on creating an environment where the message and music can connect clearly with the audience.
“When people leave encouraged, that’s success,” Rogers said.
Anne Wilson will perform at Crown Coliseum, March 13. Tickets start at $40, and are available at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/anne-wilson-the-stars-tour or through the Crown box office at 91-438-4100.

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.”

Fayetteville Liberty launches service, community, opportunity

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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

In a region shaped by military service and rapid change, a new professional basketball team, The Fayetteville Liberty, is launching with a community-driven vision that blends sports, service and economic opportunity.
With more than 50,000 active duty service members, 150,000 veterans and an estimated 260,000 military family members living in the region, team leaders say the choice of name and mission was intentional. The organization was formed in the wake of the installation’s historic 2024 renaming from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, a change that team founder Robert Edwards said symbolized the values the franchise intends to champion.
“The name Liberty represents freedom and the sacrifices made to protect it,” Edwards said. “We want to stand alongside service members and their families while helping build a stronger community.”
Edwards’ path to launching a franchise began long before the Liberty took shape. Born in Cleveland and raised in a military environment, he served 17 years in the United States Army and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2, specializing in information systems technology. His career included concentrations in cybersecurity and information assurance, experiences he said shaped his leadership approach and long-term vision.
His academic background reflects a blend of technical expertise and business strategy. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and an MBA in cybersecurity. He said the combination of military experience and education helped prepare him to lead a complex organization that blends sports, business and community service.
Faith and communication have also played a central role in his leadership style. Edwards previously served as an associate pastor, an experience he credits with strengthening his ability to motivate teams and build partnerships.
Before forming the Liberty, Edwards briefly worked with another Fayetteville basketball venture as part of its media team. That organization ultimately folded, but the experience left a lasting impression. Edwards said it convinced him the city had the passion and potential to support a successful franchise built on a strong community foundation.
“That experience showed me the possibilities for basketball in Fayetteville,” he said. “It also made it clear that we needed a sustainable, community-focused vision.”
That vision is reflected in the Liberty’s motto, “Hope in the Community,” a phrase Edwards uses to describe the organization’s approach to service and outreach.
Even before its first game, the team has emphasized local engagement. The Liberty has awarded three scholarships, hosted three youth basketball camps and sponsored three schools in the region. Edwards said the early efforts were meant to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to community investment from the start.
“Self-interest will not work here,” Edwards said. “Success can be homegrown.”
He believes the long-term goal is to create a pipeline for young athletes in the region, giving them opportunities to develop their skills while remaining connected to their hometown. Fayetteville, he said, should become known as a place where athletes begin their journey.
Team leaders say the Liberty’s mission extends beyond athletics. They hope to operate within what Edwards describes as an ecosystem of high-level commerce, using sports as a catalyst for business growth, networking and regional visibility.
The concept reflects a broader trend in sports where teams function as anchors for economic development and civic pride. By combining entertainment, community outreach and business partnerships, the Liberty hopes to create a platform that benefits residents and attracts outside investment.
The organization’s leadership team includes professionals from marketing, community engagement and sports operations, all aligned around the goal of building a sustainable franchise. Edwards said collaboration has been essential in shaping the team’s early direction.
“Behind the scenes, many people are contributing their expertise and teamwork,” he said. “Their commitment is helping bring this vision to life.”
The connection between basketball and military culture remains central to the franchise identity. Leaders say the values that define service members—discipline, unity and sacrifice—are the same values that drive success in sports.
Liberty aims to use that shared foundation to build relationships across the region. The team plans to partner with local organizations, schools and businesses to expand outreach efforts and strengthen ties within the community. An effort that is already visible daily in Fayetteville.
For Fayetteville residents, the arrival of a new basketball franchise represents both entertainment and opportunity. Leaders hope the team will become a gathering point for families, veterans and young athletes alike.
The Liberty’s inaugural game is scheduled for March 6 at the Crown Complex vs. the Raleigh Firebirds, marking the beginning of the franchise’s first season. Tickets start at $22.85, and can be purchased by visiting https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/fayetteville-liberty-3625-game
The event will include a performance by North Carolina recording artist Petey Pablo, signaling the team’s commitment to blending sports with regional culture and entertainment.
Edwards said the opening game is only the first step in a long-term plan that extends well beyond a single season. He emphasized the importance of consistency and long-term growth, noting that the organization is already focused on future seasons.
“For us, this is about building something that lasts,” he said. “We are thinking about seasons two, three and beyond.”
The team’s leadership believes Fayetteville is ready for a franchise that reflects the city’s identity and aspirations. By connecting sports, service and economic development, the Liberty hopes to create a lasting impact both on and off the court.
As the inaugural season approaches, Edwards said the organization remains committed to its founding principles: honoring service, restoring hope and building community through basketball. If early momentum is any indication, the franchise is determined to prove that success can indeed be homegrown.

(Photos courtesy of the Fayetteville Liberty)

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)