Entertainment

Beat the heat with ultimate summer concert at Gates Four

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Katie Herring

If you have been searching for the perfect way to shake off the July humidity, escape the confines of your air conditioned living room, and dance the night away under the stars, look no further. 

The highly anticipated Gates Four Summer Concert Series is returning this month to deliver exactly what the community needs. This premier seasonal event is bringing a massive hometown favorite back to the local stage to keep the summer vibes rolling, proving that there is absolutely no better place to be on a warm weekend evening than surrounded by great neighbors and incredible tunes.

Headlining the July showcase is none other than Rivermist, Fayetteville’s very own premier live entertainment powerhouse. Formed right here in Fayetteville back in 2014, Rivermist has spent more than a decade evolving from a passionate group of local musicians into one of the entire Southeast’s most respected and recognized live acts. 

If you have not yet experienced the phenomenon known across the Carolinas as a #RivermistParty, you are missing out on an extraordinarily high-energy musical journey. The band delivers an electrifying, genre-spanning mix of classic rock, rhythm and blues, modern pop, general variety, and timeless party favorites. Their diverse repertoire is specifically designed to capture the crowd's attention from the very first chord and hold it tightly until the final encore fades away.

This is far from your average local cover band. Rivermist is comprised of five exceptionally accomplished artists who boast a mind-boggling collective total of more than two hundred years of professional performing experience. The band's iconic sound is anchored by the formidable rhythm section of Greg Adair on drums and vocals alongside Tony Harrison on bass guitar and vocals. Together, they lock down a groove that is impossible not to move to. 

Adding layers of rich sound are Rick Starling on percussion, keys, and vocals, and Cliff Bender, who commands the lead guitar while adding his own vocal talents to the mix. 

Fronting this powerhouse lineup is Allen Pier, whose exceptional lead vocals and masterful keyboard playing serve as the focal point for the band's dynamic stage presence.

Because nearly every member contributes to the vocals, Rivermist is able to execute complex, powerful lead lines and jaw-dropping harmonies that few live bands can replicate. Their relentless dedication to delivering unforgettable performances night after night has also earned them the prestigious distinction of being voted Up & Coming Weekly's Best Local Band for eleven years. .

Rivermist is famous for their legendary live resume. They have commanded major festival stages, corporate events, historic theaters, high-energy clubs and intimate community celebrations all across the Carolinas. Among their most notable live milestones is a thrilling performance opening for pop-rock legend Rick Springfield at the Crown Theatre.  Every time they step into the spotlight, their mission remains exactly the same: deliver an unforgettable experience through infectious energy, genuine audience interaction, and a deep passion for entertainment. As the band likes to remind their fans: “Ain’t no party like a Rivermist Party… because a Rivermist party don’t stop.”

Mark your calendars, round up your friends, and clear your schedule for Saturday, July 25, because the Pavilion at Gates Four Country Club is officially turning into the ultimate weekend hotspot. The Pavilion offers a truly beautiful, safe, and incredibly spacious outdoor setting that is perfectly tailored for a magnificent summer evening. Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this entire event is that general admission is totally free to all residents of Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County. 

The organizers wanted to ensure that this is a true community-wide celebration, meaning all you need to do is grab your favorite lawn chairs, gather your friends, family, children, and even your well-behaved pets for a gorgeous night of music under the open sky.

The event is structured to offer a smooth, stress-free, and highly enjoyable evening for attendees of all ages. The gates and doors will swing open at 5:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to arrive early, secure the absolute best view of the stage, and mingle with fellow concertgoers. The musical entertainment officially kicks off at 7 p.m., allowing the band to play as the sun goes down and the evening air begins to cool.

To elevate the festival atmosphere, a variety of fantastic local food trucks will be parked on-site, offering a diverse array of delicious culinary treats to satisfy any craving. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing beverage, the venue features two full-service bars. 

Understanding that a July evening can occasionally become a bit too warm, Gates Four is also offering indoor dining spaces and fully air-conditioned indoor restrooms so you can beat the heat whenever you need a quick break. To add an extra element of excitement to the night, door prizes will be given away to lucky attendees throughout the evening.

While general admission is completely free, those looking to upgrade their night out can take advantage of premium ticketing options. If you want a guaranteed, stress-free spot close to the action, you can opt for Reserved Seating for just $20. For the ultimate concert experience, you can purchase Reserved Seating accompanied by a delicious, professionally prepared meal for only $35, allowing you to dinner-and-dance the night away without a care in the world.  Tickets for Reserved Seating, with or without a meal, can be purchased at fayettevilledinnertheatre.com 

World-class live music, food, drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere come together to make this the undisputed highlight of the season. Come out and see for yourself exactly why Rivermist has reigned as the region's favorite band for over a decade.  

There is simply no better way to celebrate a July Saturday night than by supporting local artists and enjoying the premium hospitality of the Gates Four Country Club. 

(Photo: Rivermist, a Fayetteville Favorite, have been playing together since 2014. They have been an Up and Coming Weekly's Best of Fayetteville Winner for Best Local Band for several years. Photos courtesy of Greg Adair and Rivermist's Facebook page)

Book Black Women celebrates 40 under 40

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

The Fayetteville 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 introduced 40 young professionals selected for their achievements, leadership and service to the Greater Fayetteville community.

The honorees will represent fields including business, education, health care, government, military service, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship and the arts. They will be formally recognized during a masquerade-themed awards celebration Saturday, Aug. 1, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 1601 Raeford Rd. in Fayetteville.

A cocktail hour will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. The public event will include specialty cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and a networking reception.

Book Black Women founder Ayana Washington, herself a Fayetteville 40 Under 40 alumna, is leading the program in partnership with the Fayetteville Observer. Washington has become a prominent voice in Fayetteville through her work in the arts, cultural programming and community engagement.

Washington said the recognition program is important because communities should celebrate the people who are actively shaping their future.

“Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 shines a light on young professionals who are leading businesses, serving nonprofits, creating art, mentoring others and finding solutions to challenges in our community,” Washington said. “It also gives young people someone to look up to and reminds us that leadership isn’t something you wait until you’re older to demonstrate.”

The program was established to recognize rising leaders across the Fayetteville region. Washington said each new class helps tell a broader story about the region and its direction.

“Every year we tell 40 new stories, and each one helps paint a picture of where Fayetteville is headed,” she said.

The program arrives during an era when younger professionals are often discussed through generational stereotypes. Washington said jokes about millennials and Generation Z can be harmless, but they can also distract from the contributions each generation makes.

“Every generation has something valuable to contribute,” Washington said. “Millennials and Gen Z have challenged old ways of thinking and embraced technology, while older generations bring wisdom and experience we still need. The strongest communities are built when those generations work together.”

The honorees are selected not only for their professional accomplishments but also for how they serve others. Washington said many nominees balance careers and businesses with family responsibilities, military service, volunteer work and nonprofit leadership.

“Every year, I read nominations about people who quietly mentor others, create jobs, advocate for their communities, or overcome tremendous obstacles without ever asking for recognition,” she said. “That’s what makes this program so special. It reminds us that leadership often happens behind the scenes.”

Washington said some of her favorite moments come when honorees receive their congratulatory emails. Their reactions often range from confusion to shock and emotion because many did not know they had been nominated.

“Those moments remind me that the best leaders aren’t chasing awards; they’re simply focused on serving others,” Washington said. “I really believe the best leader is a humble one.”

That idea inspired the theme for the 2026 awards ceremony. Rather than holding a traditional formal banquet, Washington chose a masquerade to create an event that would be elegant, memorable and symbolic.

“The masks also symbolize something meaningful,” Washington said. “We often don’t realize the incredible things people are accomplishing behind the scenes, and as I mentioned before, impactful leaders rarely seek recognition. They simply do the work.”

The ceremony will provide an opportunity to “unmask” the honorees' stories and bring greater visibility to their contributions.

Washington said she also wanted the celebration to feel like an experience rather than another awards banquet. Although she is known for producing public events, she said she considers herself more of a homebody than a partygoer.

“What I actually love is the logistics behind creating meaningful experiences,” she said. “Whether that’s producing theatre, launching an educational initiative, building a brand experience, or designing an event, I love the puzzle of figuring out how to make people feel something.”

Washington credits Cape Fear Regional Theatre with helping her understand the work required to create memorable audience experiences. Her background includes work both onstage and behind the scenes, experience she now brings to cultural events, educational initiatives and community programs.

Her partnerships over the years have included the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Cameo Art House Theatre, Cool Spring Downtown District, local governments, artists, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Washington said successful partnerships develop when those involved approach their work with empathy, integrity, initiative and compassion.

Book Black Women was established to create opportunities for Black women in the arts while preserving and celebrating stories that deserve greater recognition. Washington said the organization’s work is ultimately about investing in people and using art and culture to strengthen the community.

That mission made continuing 40 Under 40 a natural extension of the organization’s work.

“For me, both reflect a commitment to celebrating people whose contributions make our community stronger and ensuring their stories are recognized,” Washington said.

Public tickets are available for the Aug. 1 celebration and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3TF7v3M. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the Class of 2026 as Fayetteville recognizes a new generation of professionals helping shape the region’s future.

For Washington, the evening is about more than awards. It is an opportunity to create a moment of color, celebration and connection in the lives of the honorees and their supporters.

“Life can be so grayscale sometimes,” Washington said. “If I can give people a little technicolor, even for just a little while, that’s incredibly fulfilling to me.”

Bands battle it out, showcase new local talent at Playground

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Long before there are sold-out shows and streaming numbers, there are small stages.

There is the songwriter sitting in a bedroom, wondering if anyone will ever hear the music. There is the band practicing after work because they love creating something together. There is the artist saying yes to one more open mic night, hoping this time someone is listening.

Every music scene begins there.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, Group Therapy Pub & Playground is betting on that possibility when it hosts Battle of the Bands from noon until 6 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will bring together the top four bands selected by local music professionals to compete live before the Fayetteville community.

The stakes are more than bragging rights. The first-place winner will receive three paid performance opportunities, while second place will take home $200 in cash and merchandise prizes.

But perhaps the most valuable prize isn’t listed anywhere in the competition details.

It’s opportunity.

For organizer Jake, Battle of the Bands was never intended to simply be another event added to the entertainment calendar. It began with a much larger question: How do communities intentionally create spaces where artists can be discovered?

“Fayetteville is home to so many creative people,” Jake said. “There are incredibly talented artists here who don’t always have opportunities to showcase what they do. Businesses have an opportunity—and I would argue a responsibility—to invest in local artists and create spaces where they can be discovered.”

It’s difficult to argue otherwise.

For years, Fayetteville has been quietly building its creative identity. Writers are publishing books. Galleries are opening their doors. Entrepreneurs are creating spaces centered around culture and community. Yet musicians often find themselves searching for the next opportunity to perform before an audience that has never heard their names before.

Creative communities don’t happen accidentally. Someone must decide they’re worth investing in.

Battle of the Bands feels like another step in that direction.

At first glance, it might look like a competition. In reality, it feels much more like an introduction, one between artists and the city they call home.

Jake hopes audiences walk away with more than favorite performances and winning predictions.

“When I think about a successful Battle of the Bands, I want both the musicians and the audience to walk away feeling inspired,” he said. “I want artists to feel like Fayetteville is a place where they can grow and be supported, and I want people in the audience to discover someone they’ll continue following long after the event is over.”

That may be the true measure of success.

Not who wins first place, but who gains their next opportunity because they stepped onto the stage. The audience member who discovers a new favorite band. The musician who finds future collaborators. The young artist watching from the crowd who decides to finally submit their own music next year.

Culture is rarely built through grand gestures. More often, it’s built quietly over time—one event, one artist and one conversation at a time.

There was a moment when every successful musician was unknown.

Before there were arena tours, there were community stages. Before there were loyal fans, there was someone willing to listen.

Perhaps that is what Fayetteville’s growing arts community is beginning to understand. Supporting artists isn’t merely about entertainment. It’s about creating the kind of city people are proud to call home.

On Aug. 1, four bands will compete for first place.

The community, however, has an opportunity to win something far greater, a chance to discover the sound of Fayetteville before the rest of the world does.

Battle of the Bands will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon until 6 p.m. at Group Therapy Pub & Playground at 1906 Skibo Rd. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Mosh Out Cancer 2 raises funds for Karen Chandler Trust

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Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Loud guitars, powerful vocals and pounding drums will fill the Rock 103 Stage on Saturday, Aug. 1, but the biggest impact of the evening won't be measured in decibels. Every ticket sold for Mosh Out Cancer 2 will help local families battling cancer through the Karen Chandler Trust. For KCT Treasurer Michael Smith, the event is about much more than music. 

"Mosh Out Cancer 2 presented by The Assurance Group is our way of bringing together two things that are incredibly important to us: our local music scene and our mission to help cancer patients," Smith said. "It's proof that no matter what kind of music you love, communities come together when someone needs help."

That spirit has guided the KCT for more than two decades. The organization was created in memory of Karen Chandler, a devoted mother, talented musician and beloved member of Fayetteville's music community. During her battle with breast cancer, benefit concerts helped support her family. After her passing, those remaining funds and the generosity of the community became the foundation of the trust. 

"What began as people coming together to support one family has grown into more than two decades of serving our community," Smith said.

Today, the trust helps local cancer patients with the financial burdens that often accompany treatment. 

"Cancer doesn't just create medical challenges; it often creates financial ones as well," Smith said. "We provide assistance with rent, mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation and other essential expenses so families can focus on healing instead of worrying about how they're going to pay the bills." 

Every dollar raised remains in the local community, helping families meet basic needs while they focus on recovery.

This year's concert continues that mission while showcasing some of North Carolina's top rock and metal bands. Headliner Fear State will be joined by Fayetteville's Legacy Kills, reuniting after nearly a decade. Greensboro's Parallel Lives will take to the stage, and Fire for Scarecrow will perform its farewell show. 

"One of the things I'm most excited about this year is the incredible lineup we've assembled," Smith said. "Every band on the bill has generously provided their time and talent because they believe in our mission." 

He added, "What makes this lineup truly special isn't just the talent, it's the generosity behind it. Every one of these musicians has chosen to use their music to make a difference in the lives of local families battling cancer."

Beyond the live music, attendees can enjoy raffles, merchandise, food and opportunities to learn more about the KCT. Smith says the event's success depends on the people behind the scenes as much as those on stage. 

"Mosh Out Cancer isn't just an event that the KCT puts on," he said. "It's something our entire community comes together to create." 

He credits local musicians, volunteers, sponsors and businesses for making the event possible and helping the organization continue serving Cumberland County families.

More than anything, Smith hopes people leave with a deeper appreciation for what can happen when a community rallies around a common cause. 

"We want people to have an amazing time and enjoy incredible live music, but we also hope they leave with a greater appreciation for the power of community," he said. "Even something as simple as buying a concert ticket can have a meaningful impact on someone's life."

Mosh Out Cancer 2 presented by The Assurance Group, will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670, 3928 Doc Bennett Road in Fayetteville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at kctrustshop.com. 

"Every dollar raised stays right here in our community," Smith said. "When people support our events or make a donation, they're helping their neighbors, coworkers, friends and fellow community members."