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Tuesday, 24 February 2026
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Written by Adam Taylor
The haze of smoky pool halls and the stereotype of greasy bar food are fading into history. In their place, a cultural revival is underway. With the pool table market projected to grow by nearly $85 million by the end of the decade, driven largely by a wave of younger enthusiasts, billiards is enjoying a renaissance that blends heritage with modern appeal.
Now, a new television series aims to capture that momentum by pairing legendary cue artists with the flavors that shaped their lives. Grace the Table is an episodic series that brings together world-class billiards players and the nostalgia of comfort food for intimate, revealing conversations far from the tournament spotlight. At its heart lies a simple, but compelling question: What happens when the greatest players in professional pool come “to the table” not to compete, but to connect, over meals rooted in childhood memory and tradition?
The series is hosted by Allison Fisher, widely regarded as the world’s top female billiards player and known globally as “The Duchess of Doom.” Over a career spanning decades, Fisher has built a legacy defined by precision, dominance and grace under pressure. Now, she steps into a new role; one that swaps the intensity of tournament play for the warmth of shared stories and shared plates.
“Billiards has given me a lifelong passion, and with Grace the Table, I get to celebrate the players who’ve defined it,” Fisher said. “Sharing great food and even better stories with these icons is an experience I’m thrilled to bring to audiences everywhere.”
Each episode invites a legendary figure in professional pool to sit down with Fisher for open, personal conversations about life, love, competition and cuisine. The atmosphere is intimate and reflective. The pool cues may be nearby, but they are secondary to the laughter, vulnerability and memories served alongside Southern staples and beloved family recipes.
Earl Strickland, winner of more than 100 championships and three world titles, brings decades of fiery competitiveness and unfiltered candor. Known for his intensity at the table, Strickland offers viewers a different side, reflecting on the sacrifices and passions that fueled his storied career. Jeanette Lee, famously dubbed “The Black Widow,” is recognized worldwide for her fierce competitive edge and magnetic presence. Ewa Mataya Laurance, known as “The Striking Viking,” brings the perspective of a trailblazer and Hall of Famer who helped redefine opportunities for women in billiards. And Mike Sigel, a Billiards Hall of Fame inductee and technical advisor on The Color of Money, shares stories from an era that helped propel pool into mainstream pop culture.
Behind the scenes, the series is produced by Dirty Laundry Picture Company, an independent, creator-led studio based in Clinton, North Carolina. Founded in 2025 by producer Monty Hobbs, DLPC was established as Sampson County’s first professional film studio, bringing high-end cinematic production capabilities to a region historically underserved by the entertainment industry. For Hobbs, the project is both professional and personal.
“Being from this area, I find food and billiards go hand in hand,” Hobbs said. “Producing a show with legends in the sport, talking about their lives while indulging in the food from their childhood that provides comfort is everything that I could ask for.”
From a producer’s standpoint, Hobbs believes Grace the Table stands apart from traditional sports programming or food-centric series.
“It has never been done before,” he said. “All these world-class legendary players under one roof. You’re not just watching highlights or recipes. You’re watching history sit down together.”
The Fayetteville and Clinton area was selected intentionally. According to Hobbs, Southeastern North Carolina’s deep roots in pool culture and its rich tradition of down-home cooking made it the perfect setting.
“The area has such deep roots to the pool and is rich in comfort food and down-home cooking,” he said. “Why not shed some light on the history of southeastern North Carolina?”
The series also carries emotional resonance beyond the spotlighted legends. One behind-the-scenes moment Hobbs described as especially meaningful involves Fisher and her mother, Christine, sharing in the experience together during filming; a reminder that even the fiercest competitors are grounded in family.
Beyond entertainment, Grace the Table represents an opportunity to elevate Eastern North Carolina’s growing film and television industry. With DLPC’s commitment to authentic storytelling grounded in real-world relevance, Hobbs hopes national audiences will take notice of the region’s creative potential.
“We hope big,” Hobbs said. “All my shows have national airings and followings. Hopefully, people can see the area’s beauty, and the legends can film here as well.”
An anticipated release is slated for late summer to early fall 2026. When audiences finally pull up a chair, Hobbs hopes they leave with more than admiration for the players’ accolades.
“Love, affection and a warm feeling,” he said. “A show that is geared toward relaxing in a world that we surely need.”
In an era defined by rapid content consumption and relentless competition, Grace the Table offers something slower and more nourishing… a reminder that behind every champion is a story, and behind every story, a table where it all began.
(Graphic courtesy of Dirty Laundry Picture Company)
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Tuesday, 24 February 2026
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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.
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“Behind the scenes, many people are contributing their expertise and teamwork,” he said. “Their commitment is helping bring this vision to life.”