Entertainment

Greater Life of Fayetteville hosts event for women

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

Greater Life of Fayetteville is presenting Just Us for Women: She Shaped Me. The formal affair workshop honors mothers, grandmothers, aunties and mentors. This workshop is a celebration of women whose faith, strength and love shape families and communities across generations.
Just Us for Women: She Shaped Me workshop will be presented on April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a brunch event and will be held at the Orange Street School, 600 Orange St. Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to bring something to show or share with the younger generation. Mentors are encouraged to bring a young mother. Sponsors of the Just Us for Women: She Shaped Me are United Way, The Insurance Guy, Sweet Valley Ranch, and Greater Fayetteville Chamber.
For more information, contact Georgeanna Pinckney, Executive Director, Greater Life of Fayetteville, at greaterlife.fayetteville@gmail.com or director@glofnc.org. The phone contact is Greater Life of Fayetteville at 910-364-9531
The Greater Life of Fayetteville's purpose is to help children and families rise above their circumstances, to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Greater Life of Fayetteville’s programming includes mentoring, parent workshops, I AM YOU-NIQUE Summer Academy, Suspension Intervention, virtual learning, after-school programs, tutoring, and homework assignments. The program is free. The future of Greater Life of Fayetteville is to offer housing and life skills to young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. This vulnerable population too often falls through the cracks.
“She didn’t just raise me, she shaped my voice and courage, I carry into the world,” Pinkney said of the event. “The Just Us for Women: She Shaped Me honors the faith, sacrifice, strength, and love of mothers and mothers in action and practice (aunties, grandmothers, mentors).”
Celebrate the legacy of women of faith, sacrifice, courage, strength, and love at the Just Us for Women: She Shaped Me, on April 25. Bring something to share and show the younger generation or invite a young mother. Apparel is Sunday dress. Admission to the workshop is free.

Donuts & Dodgeball: DaVille Athletics' new initiative

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Sometimes the best community events are the simplest ones with a little friendly competition, a welcoming environment and maybe a box of donuts to bring people together. That is exactly the idea behind the upcoming Donuts and Dodgeball event hosted by DaVille Athletics on April 11. The event is the latest initiative from DaVille Athletics founder Semaj Street, whose organization focuses on athletic development, mentorship and building opportunities for youth athletes across the Fayetteville area.
“DaVille Athletics is a sports and performance organization focused on developing and enhancing athletic performance for youth to professional athletes,” Street said. “Our mission is to provide access to high-quality training, mentorship and character development for athletes in Fayetteville and the surrounding area.”
Street founded the organization after recognizing a need in the community for structured training and mentorship programs for young athletes. While many students had talent and passion for sports, not all had access to the resources needed to reach their potential.
“I saw a gap where many kids had talent but didn’t always have access to structured training, mentorship or positive guidance,” Street said. “I wanted to build something that could provide those opportunities while also creating a supportive community around youth athletics.”
That sense of community is exactly what inspired the upcoming Donuts and Dodgeball event. After discussing the concept with Fayetteville Next and the Dogwood Festival organization, Street saw an opportunity to create something that was simple, welcoming and fun for people of all ages.
“The idea behind Donuts and Dodgeball was to create something fun, simple and community-focused,” Street explained. “Dodgeball is something everyone can enjoy, and adding donuts just makes it even more fun and welcoming.”
The event will feature organized dodgeball games, friendly competition and plenty of opportunities for attendees to connect with others in the community. Participants can expect a high-energy atmosphere where laughter and teamwork take center stage.
“Attendees can expect a fun environment where people can come together, play dodgeball, connect and enjoy some good donuts,” Street said. “It’s really about having fun, being active and bringing people together.”
Unlike many sports events that focus strictly on competition, Donuts and Dodgeball is designed to be inclusive and open to everyone.
“The event is designed for everyone in the community,” Street said. “The goal is to create an inclusive event where people of all ages can participate, connect and have a good time.”
For Street, events like this reflect the broader mission of DaVille Athletics. While training and athletic development remain central to the organization’s work, building relationships and fostering positive environments are equally important.
“Sports are not just about competition,” he said. “They’re about community, teamwork and having fun.”
Since launching DaVille Athletics, Street has seen countless rewarding moments as young athletes develop confidence and grow both physically and mentally.
“Watching kids gain confidence, improve their skills and realize their potential makes it all worth it,” he said. “Seeing athletes improve their performance, win championships or even earn college opportunities keeps me motivated.”
Community support plays a major role in helping the organization continue to grow. Partnerships with local businesses, sponsors and community members allow DaVille Athletics to expand its programs and reach more young athletes. Looking ahead, Street hopes to continue building opportunities for Fayetteville’s youth through sports, mentorship and community engagement. “Our goal is to expand programs, reach more youth athletes and become a positive force in the Fayetteville community,” he said. The Donuts and Dodgeball event will take place on April 11 beginning at 10 a.m., bringing together members of the Fayetteville community for a morning of fun, connection and friendly competition.
To register for Donuts and Dodgeball, either as a team or as a single player, visit https://www.eventeny.com/events/donutsanddodgeball-23572/.DaVille Athletics is located at 1116 Chairman St.

Gates Four Summer Concert Series kicks off sixth year

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

The Gates Four Summer Concert Series returns for its 6th year of seasonal live music and outdoor entertainment, continuing its rise as one of Fayetteville’s and Cumberland County’s most beloved summer traditions.
Organized through a partnership between Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and Gates Four Country Club, the series offers free live music in a relaxed outdoor setting that brings together businesses, families, neighbors, and music lovers of all ages.
This year’s opening concert is already generating excitement, with The Guy Unger Band scheduled to take the stage for the kickoff performance on April 23 at 7 p.m. with a special Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Gates Four Country Club at 6775 Irongate Dr.
The Guy Unger Band is known for their energetic blend of classic rock, southern rock and country favorites, and will be a near perfect preview of what concertogers will experience this summer. Their ability to blend familiar songs with energetic performances has helped them build a strong following across North Carolina and beyond.
All Gates Four Summer Concerts are free and open to all residents of Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Cumberland County. The series will include four other concerts: Gimme Back My Skynard on May 23, 80s Unleashed and Autumn Tyde take the stage on June 27, Rivermist will follow on July 25, and the Dalton Davis Band will close out the series on Aug. 22.
Gates Four Country Club serves as the perfect venue for an outdoor concert. It provides a safe, scenic, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment venue surrounded by beautiful flowers, pine trees, and rolling fairways. The Gates Four Pavilion area transforms into a community gathering space where all attendees need to bring are lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the free show and activities.
For guests seeking a “dinner and a show” experience, the FDT offers limited reserved table seating inside the Gates Four Pavilion. Reservations, tickets and additional information can be found at fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or contact the FDT at 910 391 3859.
Gates Four offers several amenities for attendees. Bobby & Toni Jackson’s Ragin’ Rooster food truck will be on hand for food, as well as indoor dining options at JP’s Grill. Two full-service bars will be available: Healy’s Beer & Wine Tent and JP’s Bar. Families are more than welcome to attend, and children can play at the Main Event Children’s Area.
Gifts and door prizes from CSI, Rocket Fizz, Blacks Tire, Hinkamp Jewelers and Tropical Smoothie will be handed out
to concertgoers.
One of the defining characteristics of the Summer Concert Series is its accessibility. The concerts are designed to welcome all ages, making them a popular destination for families. Children, parents, and grandparents often attend together, creating a multi-generational atmosphere that reflects the broader Fayetteville community.
The concert series has grown significantly under the leadership of Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and director of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre. His partnerships with local organizations and sponsors have helped the series become a cornerstone of the region’s summer entertainment calendar.
The Concert Series remains free to residents and their families thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community supporters, including:
• Kevin Lavertu & the Riddle Family of Gates Four Country Club
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
• All American Homes (Jay & JJ Dowdy)
• Certified Heating & Air (Larry Parker & Family)
• Servpro of Fayetteville (Brett Craig)
• Lumbee Guaranty Bank
• Miller Motte College
• Tropical Smoothie (Pavan Patel)
• Beasley Media Group
• The Main Event (Brittany Hunnicutt)
• The Roof Mentors (Daniel Bender)
• And many more
With six years of momentum, strong community support, and a lineup designed to appeal to all ages, the 2026 Gates Four Summer Concert Series promises another season of great music, good food, dancing, fun,and fellowship.

(Photo: The Guy Unger Band starts off the Gates Four Summer Concert Series on April 23 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The first concert will also be a special Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Photo courtesy of Guy Unger Band)

Ink, honor, identity: All American Tattoo Convention returns

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

The hum of tattoo machines, the energy of live competition and the weight of deeply personal stories will once again converge in Fayetteville as the All-American Tattoo Convention returns April 17–19 at the Crown Complex.
Now in its latest installment, the three-day event brings together more than 300 tattoo artists from across the country, along with entertainers, vendors and spectators, for what organizers describe as more than just a convention; it's an immersive cultural experience rooted in artistry, storytelling and community.
Founded under the umbrella of the American Tattoo Society, the convention has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, drawing national attention while maintaining a strong connection to Fayetteville’s military identity.
At the center of that vision is co-founder Ryan Harrell, who said the event was intentionally built with service members and veterans in mind.
“The All American Tattoo Convention was built with the military community at its core,” Harrell said. “Being based in Fayetteville, we’re surrounded by active-duty service members, veterans, and families who have sacrificed a lot for this country. From day one, the goal has been to give back in a meaningful way while also creating something that celebrates the art and culture of tattooing.”
That mission is reflected in the partnerships and programming woven throughout the weekend. Organizers collaborate with veteran-focused groups such as Veteran Ink and other nonprofits to raise awareness and support for those dealing with combat-related injuries. Special experiences, including a Gold Star Family VIP meet-and-greet, are designed to create intentional spaces for connection and recognition.
Harrell emphasized that tattoo culture and military life have long shared a meaningful bond.
“Tattoos have always had a deep connection to the military, whether it’s honoring a unit, remembering a fallen friend, or marking a chapter in someone’s life,” he said. “This convention brings that to the forefront. It’s a place where those stories are respected, shared, and permanently expressed through art.”
While that sense of purpose anchors the event, the convention’s scale and entertainment value continue to expand each year.
“What makes this year’s convention truly unique is the experience,” Harrell said. “We’ve built something that goes far beyond a traditional tattoo show.”
Attendees can expect to see hundreds of artists representing a wide range of styles from traditional and realism to blackwork and fine line work live throughout the weekend. For many, the opportunity to be tattooed by nationally recognized artists in one place is a major draw.
But the convention extends beyond the tattoo chair.
This year’s lineup introduces armored knights competing in full-contact, MMA-style combat, adding an unexpected and high-intensity element to the event. Returning attractions include a strongman competition, the Miss All American Pin-Up Contest and a tattoo-themed dating game all designed to keep the atmosphere energetic and engaging for a diverse audience.
At the core of the weekend, however, are the tattoo competitions themselves. With more than 50 categories judged live, the contests showcase some of the industry’s most skilled work and serve as a central gathering point for artists and collectors alike.
“You’re seeing some of the best work in the industry, judged live, with a level of competition that continues to grow every year,” Harrell said.
For first-time attendees, the convention offers a comprehensive introduction to tattoo culture at its highest level. For returning supporters, it provides a continually evolving experience that blends artistry with entertainment.
“It’s not just a convention,” Harrell said. “It’s an experience.”
Beyond the spectacle and scale, organizers say the most lasting impact often comes from quieter, more personal moments that unfold throughout the weekend.
“Some of the most meaningful moments from the convention have come from our connection with Gold Star Families,” Harrell said. “Being able to give them VIP access and invite them into our meet and greet is something we take very seriously.”
Those interactions, he said, create opportunities for families to feel seen and supported within a community that understands the weight of their sacrifice.
The convention has also served as a platform to recognize influential figures within the tattoo industry. During its inaugural year, organizers honored renowned artist Bill Claydon with a lifetime achievement award, setting a precedent for celebrating legacy alongside emerging talent.
Still, it is often the everyday stories that define the event’s emotional core.
“Seeing someone get a memorial tattoo for a fallen friend, or families coming together to honor a loved one, that really defines the impact of the show,” Harrell said. “It’s not just about tattoos, it’s about what those tattoos represent.”
As Fayetteville continues to position itself as a hub where military tradition and cultural expression intersect, the All-American Tattoo Convention stands as a reflection of both—blending ink, identity and community into one shared space.
Tickets and additional information are available through the event’s official website at https://allamericantattooconvention.com