Entertainment

Moms Unhinged comedy takes over CFRT

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Written by Katie Herring

Ladies, mark your calendars for July 17, make childcare arrangements, and make plans to check out Moms Unhinged, a stand-up comedy tour exclusively featuring mom comedians. The show will be at Cape Fear Regional Theatre at 7 p.m. Three comedians, all of whom have toured nationally, will discuss the adventures of motherhood at all stages.
Moms Unhinged started in 2017 in Colorado, where founder and producer Andrea Vahl lives; she wanted an all-moms comedy show that kept her close to home at a time when her kids were young and it was tough to travel for shows. The all-mom comedy shows were a hit and started selling out, so the group kept growing. Of course, 2020 derailed progress, and it took a while before they could perform again regularly. But when momentum picked up, it picked up big time: since 2024, there have been 125 Moms Unhinged shows happening all over the country, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. They are consistently selling out clubs and theatres from North Carolina to Alaska. The July show will be their first time in Fayetteville.
Now, Moms Unhinged has over 30 comedians from all over the country who take turns touring the US. It is a rotating line-up, so if they come to a city for a second time, it will be a completely unique experience with a brand-new group of performers. They find themselves in mostly suburban areas that don’t always attract big comedy acts, as opposed to big cities where there is usually lots of comedy. According to Vahl, “we like parking; we like early shows that allow us to be in bed by 9:30.”
The group finds that venues that seat anywhere from 200-550 people are right in their sweet spot.
The moms that perform in Unhinged shows are a diverse group of women from different backgrounds and walks of life, different ages and stages, and different family make-ups.
So, what to expect when coming to Moms Unhinged in Fayetteville? The evening will feature three comedians: Emily Holden of Atlanta, whose “energy onstage is infectious, her potty mouth is remarkable” (momsunhinged.com), Holly Ballantine, also from Atlanta, who is a “literal train wreck who has been charming audiences across the country with her hilarious stories of motherhood, marriage, and near death experiences since the day Chris Rock told her she was funny” (hollyballantine.com); and headliner Zoe Rogers, who hails from Boulder, Colorado and “gets inspiration and sleep deprivation from her three awesome kids who make sure life is never dull or quiet” (momsunhinged.com). All three have performed all over the country and opened for a wide array of big names in comedy.
The show is recommended for those 18 and older; the shows are usually fairly “clean-ish” but do sometimes include some strong language. All tickets are general admission, so there are no assigned seats; if you are coming with a group and want to all sit together, it is recommended to arrive early. The shows always run for about two hours, to make sure everyone has a great time, but has time to get home and in bed at a reasonable hour.
Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online at momsunhinged.com.
Don’t miss out on this unique, fun-filled night of laughter and mom-hood, where we’re all just a little unhinged.

MLB draft prospects shine in Stars vs. Stripes Series

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Stars vs. Stripes series is one of the most anticipated events in college baseball, bringing together 56 of the nation's top non-draft-eligible players. This annual intrasquad showdown serves as a platform for these talented athletes to showcase their skills, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball.
The fifth and final game of the Stars vs. Stripes series will be held at Segra Stadium on Thursday, July 3. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6:35 p.m.
The Stars vs. Stripes game at Segra Stadium highlights several players who are expected to be top picks in the MLB Draft. Notable first-round selections include Charlie Condon (Colorado Rockies), Hagen Smith (Chicago White Sox), and Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals).
Other standout prospects like JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals), Christian Moore (Los Angeles Angels), and Seaver King (Washington Nationals) also demonstrated why they are considered among the best in college baseball. These athletes are poised to make significant impacts at the next level.
The Stars vs. Stripes series plays a crucial role in the development of collegiate players. By competing against their peers in a highly competitive environment, these athletes gain invaluable experience and exposure.
The series serves as a training ground where players can refine their skills, learn from top coaches, and prepare for the professional ranks. It's an essential step in their journey toward a successful career in Major League Baseball.
Over the years, the Stars vs. Stripes series has been the stage for numerous historic moments and standout performances. Each game is filled with thrilling plays, from clutch home runs to game-saving defensive efforts.
These memorable moments not only entertain fans but also add to the lore of the series, cementing its reputation as a premier event in college baseball.
Fans looking to catch the excitement of the Stars vs. Stripes series can attend the game at Segra Stadium, home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, located at 460 Hay St. Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/3v8kpxsf.
Beyond the on-field excitement, the series offers additional entertainment with postgame fireworks, making it a perfect outing for families and baseball enthusiasts alike.

Celebrate Independence Day with concert in Festival Park

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Start the Independence Day celebrations with an evening of live music at Festival Park on July 4. Gates open at 6 p.m., giving concert goers ample time to settle in and find the perfect spot before the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Don’t forget the blankets and chairs to get set up on the Festival Park lawn. This free event promises an unforgettable experience with performances from some of the best musical talents in the region.
Residents and visitors for the holiday will find this concert to be the perfect way to enjoy a night of community and celebration. Bring the family and friends and be immersed in the festive atmosphere as the sun sets over beautiful Festival Park.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is a professional regional orchestra dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring the citizens of Fayetteville and surrounding areas. Praised for its artistic excellence, the FSO plays a vital role in the cultural and educational landscape of southeastern North Carolina.
At the Independence Day concert, the community will have the opportunity to enjoy their masterful performances, which include a variety of music styles. The symphony's mission is to be the leading musical resource for the community, and their presence at this event underscores their commitment to bringing high-quality, accessible music to all.
Concert-goers can also look forward to a special performance from the Fayetteville Symphonic Band. Under the guidance of the talented Dr. Daniel McCloud, this passionate group rehearses every week to bring exceptional music to Fayetteville. With free concerts scheduled throughout the year, it’s the perfect chance to experience their dedication and talent firsthand.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The Guy Unger Band is set to bring an electrifying energy to the stage as they play alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Guests will get to hear the Guy Unger Band play patriotic music in a completely unique way, transforming songs into something fresh, exciting, and one-of-a-kind.
“We are super excited for many reasons! First off, I have always wanted to play with the orchestra in a rock context ever since I was a kid,” lead singer of the Guy Unger Band, Guy Unger, expresses.
“This is a dream come true! From a musician's standpoint, it’s an honor to be part of something so important to the community here! I love our country and feel blessed to be in a position to honor it this way!”
Featuring skilled musicians and energetic performances, the Guy Unger Band delivers excitement. They captivate their audience every time. Don’t miss out on their fresh take on favorite tunes, guaranteed to get everyone moving.
Festival Park, located at 225 Ray Ave, is the perfect venue for a family-friendly celebration. In addition to the fantastic music, there will be food truck vendors on-site offering a variety of delicious options to keep concert goers fueled throughout the evening. Beer will also be available for purchase, with cash-only transactions and an ATM on site for convenience.
Children will have a blast in the dedicated play area, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Please note that only service animals are permitted, and for safety reasons, skateboards, bicycles, personal tents/canopies, and outside food/beverages are not allowed.
As the concert draws to a close, get ready to be mesmerized by a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky. The fireworks show is the perfect finale to an evening of celebration, bringing the community together to commemorate Independence Day in a spectacular fashion.
Make sure to stay until the end to witness this breathtaking display and create lasting memories with loved ones. The combination of live music, family-friendly activities, and a stunning fireworks show makes this an event one not to miss.

(Photo: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is no stranger to the Festival Park stage. Photo courtesy of the FSO Facebook page)

Firecracker 4 Miler celebrates 12th year of running, community spirit, scholarships

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

An early morning burst of red, white, and blue will sweep through downtown Fayetteville on Friday, July 4, as the city celebrates both its patriotic pride and commitment to community health with the 12th annual Firecracker 4 Miler and 1 Mile Fun Run.
The popular Independence Day race, which draws local runners, traveling families, and visitors from neighboring states, will begin at 7 a.m. at the North Carolina Veterans Park, near the iconic Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Early packet pickup happens the day before at North South Brewing Company on Williams Street, a practice race director Shawn Wussow says helps shine a light on small businesses that people may not have discovered yet.
The 4-mile course, a tour through Fayetteville’s historic core, loops past Arsenal Park and weaves along Hay Street before merging with the Cross Creek Linear Park Trail and returning to the starting line near Segra Stadium. The event caters to all levels — from competitive racers to families with kids in strollers and welcomes dogs, costumes, and festive spirit.
What sets this race apart from many other local events, however, is its commitment to giving back.
“This race originally started as a way to fund our scholarship program,” said Wussow, a retired military service member with 23 years of service, who now directs about eight races a year through Fayetteville’s running community. “We focus on supporting local high school track athletes. This year, for the first time, we were able to award four scholarships thanks to race proceeds and generous sponsors.”
The scholarship fund relies on the community’s support and over the years has gained momentum. Wussow recalls a moment two years ago when a sponsor stepped forward to fully fund a scholarship outright, allowing the club to redirect more race proceeds to additional awards.
Applicants for the scholarship must provide a coach’s recommendation, proof of college acceptance, and a short statement about why they run; a simple but heartfelt requirement that has brought in some moving stories from young athletes determined to pursue their dreams despite financial obstacles.
“Seeing these kids break school records, earn state titles, and still give back to their community … that’s what makes it worth every early morning and long day of planning,” Wussow said.
While the Firecracker 4 Miler is the club’s signature summer race, it is just one of several events on Wussow’s community calendar. Other runs throughout the year include a trail race in October, a new half marathon in November at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and “Be Their Voice” in January, a run helping the Child Advocacy Center and efforts against human trafficking. April brings the club’s Autism Awareness Run, which channels funds to local programs for children with autism, while the Juneteenth 5K directly supports the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s scholarship fund, which recently received its largest-ever donation of over $13,000.
For Wussow and his team, keeping costs low means more dollars go back into these community initiatives. After COVID-19 forced the club to rethink expenses, they transitioned to managing races in-house rather than outsourcing to professional organizers, which saved money they now reinvest in better race medals, participant swag, and entertainment.
Runners this year won’t be taking home just any t-shirt; each participant will receive a custom-made baseball-style jersey featuring race sponsors, including Two Men and a Truck, a longtime supporter. In addition, each registrant gets a free ticket to a Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball game the following Sunday, further blending community sports and family fun.
These touches- big medals, unique race shirts, and local business tie-ins- have helped the race regain its pre-pandemic momentum. Participation is climbing steadily by about 100 to 150 runners per year, with registrations pouring in from South Carolina, Virginia, and even as far as Colorado. Many families make the race a yearly tradition, joining relatives in town for the holiday and soaking in the small-town charm of downtown Fayetteville’s Fourth of July celebrations.
“We’re well over halfway filled, and we’re still seeing about 100 new sign-ups each week,” Wussow said. “It should sell out again this year.”
As the Firecracker 4 Miler continues to grow, Wussow and his volunteers-all unpaid-remain committed to expanding opportunities for local youth, strengthening partnerships with businesses, and offering Fayetteville residents and visitors a healthy, joyful, and meaningful way to celebrate America’s birthday.
Future Fayetteville Run Club events include:
• October Trail Race: A chance to test your legs off-road on local trails with a supportive community vibe.
• November Half Marathon: A scenic race through the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, open to both seasoned and first-time half marathoners.
• January “Be Their Voice” 5K: Supporting local anti-human trafficking efforts in partnership with the Child Advocacy Center.
• April Autism Awareness Run: Funds from this race support autism skills programs through Fayetteville’s Connect Foundation.
• June Juneteenth 5K: Supporting the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s scholarships for African American students.
For those planning to run the Firecracker 4 Miler, day-of packet pickup opens at 6 a.m., with the 4 Miler starting promptly at 7 a.m. The 1 Mile Fun Run begins an hour later, giving parents time to complete their own race and join their children for a family run.
From record-breaking teens to families pushing strollers, this race is a snapshot of Fayetteville’s best: a city where fitness, community, and giving back go hand in hand.
To register or learn more about Fayetteville Run Club events, visit RunSignUp.com.

(Photo courtesy of Firecracker Four Miler Facebook page)