The music scene in Fayetteville
Local venues
Festival Park downtown is the crown jewel of the city's outdoor music scene. The park opened in 2007, establishing itself as the home of the Fayetteville After Five concert series, which runs from May through September. It's also the venue of choice for the International Folk Festival and the Dogwood Festival, which recently featured headliners Eddie Money and Vanessa Carlton.
When it comes to providing a stage for indoor concerts and shows, the Crown Center is king. The complex off U.S. 301 consists of the Crown Coliseum, the Crown Theatre and the Crown Arena. Bigname acts, such as the Blue Man Group, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson, have all made stops here.
Local talent
The Cumberland Oratorio Singers, a 50-member choir, has been a musical and cultural staple in the community since 1991. The group performs a few times a year at Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University. Alan Porter, who founded the group, retired as director after the May 18 concert. Michael Martin succeeds him as the new artistic director and conductor. For more information about the choir, visit www.methodist.edu/cos/cos.htm.
"Expect excellence from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra." That quote is on the symphony's Web site. And the orchestra lives up to the hype. Two years ago, it celebrated its 50th anniversary with royalty. Yes, Queen Noor of Jordan came to the anniversary celebration in 2006. The 2008-09 season is "A Tour Around the World." The season starts with "Fantastic French Favorites" Oct. 25 and ends with "Russian Favorites" May 2. For more information, call 433-4690 or visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org.
The North Carolina Symphony comes to the region to give performances in Reeves Auditorium at Methodist University. For more information, call (919) 733-2750 or visit www.ncsymphony.org. Upcoming events are: Guitarist Scott Tennant, Oct. 9 at Pinecrest High School Auditorium in Southern Pines; "Classical Favorites" at Reeves Oct. 17; and "Bach: Christmas Oratorio" at Pinecrest Dec. 6.