Scotland Neck
|
Elvis Tribute Concert Featuring Keith Henderson Coming to Roanoke Rapids Theatre Mar. 24 |
|
Keith Henderson, whose "Illusions of The King" show was the first sellout in the history of the 6-year-old venue The Roanoke Rapids Theatre, is bringing his tribute concert to the theater for the second time March 24, beginning at 3 p.m.
Event promoters promise a good show and are eager to bring Henderson back to a venue where he had such great success.
"With the success of Keith's previous visit and the rave reviews he received, it was obvious he would return," said promoter Jim Babson of Hilton Concerts. "The fans have requested he return to the theater."
Henderson is an award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artist, who has said performing his tribute show comes natural to him.
"If I wanted to sing a song and not do it like Elvis, I would have to try at it," Henderson said. "The voice I use in the show is my natural singing voice."
Henderson's vast knowledge of Elvis' repertoire means no two shows are ever the same, and he is proud to bring the music of "The King" to a new audience and to bring back memories of Elvis to those who saw him previously. Henderson's love for Presley's music comes honestly, and he has referred to Presley as "the greatest entertainer who ever lived."
Tickets will go on sale for Keith Henderson "Illusions of The King" beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Ticket Prices are $20.00 (mezzanine), $25.00 (floor) and $30.00 (VIP) + a ShowClix fee of $3.50 per ticket. Tickets are available 3 ways, at www.hiltonconcerts.com, through ShowClix, by calling ShowClix at 1-888-71TICKETS Monday through Friday or at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, located at 260 Premier Boulevard, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. |
|
Record-level attendance at North Carolina State Parks continued in 2011 |
|
Horse and rider on the Medoc Mountain State Park bridle trail system.
RALEIGH – Visitation at North Carolina’s state parks and state recreation areas continued at a record level in 2011, with 14.25 million visits, matching the all-time record set in 2009 and posting a slight increase from 14.19 visits in 2010, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Among 39 state parks and state recreation areas, 15 reported increases in attendance in 2011. Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County reported the highest attendance at 1.32 million visits, down slightly from 1.47 million last year.
“State parks make a strong contribution to North Carolina’s tourism economy as well as to the economies of local communities in which they’re located,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. “Their continued record attendance reflects the value that North Carolinians and visitors to this state place on outdoor recreation and our natural resources. In addition, families continue to benefit from the affordable recreation and education opportunities in these special places.”
A 2008 economic study revealed that travelers spend an average of $23.56 a day to enjoy the state parks. The analysis by North Carolina State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management estimated the state parks system’s total annual economic impact at more than $400 million. The complete study can be found at www.ncparks.gov/news/media_room.
During the past 25 years, the state parks system has seen a dramatic 102 percent increase in visitation. In 1986, 7 million people visited state parks and state recreation areas.
Several state parks that reported higher attendance in 2011 were able to offer new amenities to visitors. A new 700-foot swim beach and picnic area at Lake James State Park opened for its first full season, and the park experienced a 70 percent jump in visitation. Improvements at other state parks contributed to increased visitation, including a renovated marina at Carolina Beach State Park, a new equestrian trail network at Medoc Mountain State Park and a number of hiking trail projects, including a volunteer-built summit trail at Elk Knob State Park.
"We are trying to spread the word that our own Medoc Mountain State Park has eleven miles of bridle trails that are open during regular park hours and free of charge, in addition to Medoc's other amenities such as picnicking, camping, hiking and educational programming," said Lori Medlin, President/CEO of the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We are grateful to have such a wonderful resource right here in our own backyard."
The state parks system manages more than 215,000 acres within state parks, state recreation areas and a system of state natural areas dedicated to conservation of rare resources. Through its New Parks for a New Century initiative, six new state parks have been added to the system since 2003.
Parks with significant increases in visitation include Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County (34 percent), Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County (50 percent), Jones Lake State Park in Bladen County (26 percent), Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance County (24 percent) and Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax County (31 percent). State park visitation is often affected by weather events. For instance, Hurricane Irene in August closed Goose Creek State Park for several weeks and other eastern and Piedmont parks briefly. |
|
Patsy Cline Tribute concert featuring Deb Kiger along with the Country Music Opry Band |
|
ROANOKE RAPIDS - For those who love the music of the late Patsy Cline, The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will be the place to be on March 3.
Deb Kiger, who has been performing her production, "Walking with Patsy," since 2004, will bring her extensive knowledge of Cline's music and her talent to the venue beginning at 8 p.m., regaling the audience with Cline classics such as "Crazy," "Walking After Midnight," and "Sweet Dreams," while also adding tracks such as "Wayward Wind," and "She's Got You," which she characterizes as the most challenging of Cline's songs.
Kiger began her love affair with Cline's music in 1963, when she first heard "Sweet Dreams," on the radio while traveling. After a turn in the production "A Closer Walk with Patsy," Kiger decided to stage her own tribute to the artist, whom, she has learned, has touched the lives of many who have listened to her music.
"The more I am involved in the tribute show, the more I realize how many people have stories about Patsy," Kiger said.
"People come and tell me what Patsy meant to them, and most of the time they have a personal experience with Patsy or someone in her family. It's really been an experience."
The Country Music Opry Band will open for Kiger, who is looking forward to bringing her show to the beautiful theater in Roanoke Rapids.
"It will be a big show," Kiger said. "I'm planning some different things, and I am very excited about playing in that theater."
Concert promoter Jim Babson, of Hilton Concerts, is encouraging all Cline fans to come and see Kiger. "If you want to get the feel for the original Patsy Cline voice, this is a show you don't want to miss," Babson said.
Tickets are available 3 ways, at www.hiltonconcerts.com through ShowClix, by calling ShowClix at 1-888-71TICKETS Monday through Friday or at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, located at 260 Premier Boulevard, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale for the Patsy Cline Tribute concert featuring Deb Kiger along with the Country Music Opry Band beginning Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. |
|
Luther Vandross' Spirit of Love Will Be Rekindled at The Roanoke Rapids Theatre February 18 |
|
January 10, 2012. Roanoke Rapids, NC—Love and romance will be in the air on February 18, 2012, when BRENCORE Entertainment brings R&B ballads to the Roanoke Rapids Theatre the weekend after Valentines Day. Residents and tourists of Roanoke Rapids are in store for an Elegant Night of Romance to remember. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will be transformed by the award-winning talent of William “Smooth” Wardlaw as he pays tribute to legendary Luther Vandross on February 18, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Tickets can be purchased at www.rrcitytheatre.com.
William ‘Smooth’ Wardlaw was born and raised in Northern Virginia. He along with some of the BRENCORE Entertainment family share a strong affinity to North Carolina.
“I’ve been in love with music since I was 7 years old, and I give all the credit to my church family that brings strong Southern values and musical traditions. I credit some of the late great entertainers like Michael Jackson and James Brown for influencing my love of stage performance…as the energy you receive from a crowd in the South is like no other feeling in this world,” stated Wardlaw.
Throughout the years of successfully captivating audiences with his smooth live stage presence and amazing vocal range, William ‘Smooth’ Wardlaw shares an uncanny resemblance to the late Luther Vandross, who Wardlaw credits to influencing his love of music.
Wardlaw has been performing in venues up and down the East Coast, but this will be his debut performance at the Roanoke Rapids Theater in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Smooth William, as he is also known, has been featured on the Spirit of Washington and the Odyssey cruise ships in the Nation’s Capitol, has performed at the Carter Baron Theater, Fort DuPont Summer Theater, The Carlyle Club Jazz Series and has opened up for artists such as Stanley Clark and Ray, Goodman, and Brown. Smooth William can also be heard on The Michael Stephens Project Jazz CD called, “Half Past Autumn” with a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Lady in my Life.” Smooth William’s first solo project, ‘SMOOTH AS EVER’, was released in 2011.
ABOUT TICKETS AND ROANOKE RAPIDS THEATRE
Tickets for the performance can be purchased online at www.rrcitytheatre.com. Ticket prices range from $20-$30 depending on the seat selection.
The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is the cornerstone of the Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District, located at Exit 171 off I-95 in Roanoke Rapids at 500 Carolina Crossroads Parkway, Roanoke Rapids, NC.
The 1,500-seat, state-of-the-art facility was built by the City of Roanoke Rapids in 2006 as a premier tourist attraction for the region and the State of North Carolina. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre offers corporate meeting facilities and performances including nationally-known country, rock, gospel and beach music acts, along with Broadway shows and various other theatrical productions. For more information about the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, call (252) 536-5577.
ABOUT BRENCORE ENTERTAINMENT
BRENCORE Entertainment is a Northern Virginia and Washington, DC based entertainment company that’s been providing events and performances at first class venues for over 5 years. BRENCORE’s vision is to revive a latent appreciation for music through the creative implementation of event development and strategic planning of concert promotions. “It is important to us that the people of Halifax County and the surrounding Roanoke Rapids Community view their Theatre as a place to enjoy quality entertainment while wanting to invite their friends to come and see what their City has to offer.”
“We strive toward the goal of positioning ourselves as the recognized leader in the events management industry both locally and nationally,” stated Robert Smoot owner of BRENCORE Entertainment. BRENCORE Entertainment can be followed on Twitter and Facebook and event schedules are listed on www.brencore.com. |
|
North Carolina Symphony Set to Bring Holiday Favorites to Roanoke Rapids |
|
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C.—The Halifax County Arts Council will offer Roanoke Rapids and surrounding communities a little holiday cheer this year when it presents the North Carolina Symphony at The Roanoke Rapids Theatre as part of the orchestra’s annual statewide “Holiday Pops” tour.
Symphony Resident Conductor William Henry Curry will lead the state’s premier orchestra in a festive celebration of the holiday season, featuring beloved carols, enchanting classical masterpieces and a favorite for young and old, the Holiday Pops sing-along.
The concert will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $20, with an additional ticket option that includes a concert-night reception at $40. Tickets are available now at the Halifax County Visitor’s Center, 260 Premier Blvd., in Roanoke Rapids or by calling 252.535.1687 or 800.522.4282.
Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ncsymphony.org or www.rrcitytheatre.com and by North Carolina Symphony Audience Services toll free at 877.627.6724.
About the North Carolina Symphony
Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony performs over 175 concerts annually to adults and school children. The orchestra travels extensively throughout the state to venues in over 50 North Carolina counties. The orchestra employs 67 professional musicians under the artistic leadership of Music Director and Conductor Grant Llewellyn, Resident Conductor William Henry Curry and Associate Conductor Sarah Hicks.
Based in downtown Raleigh’s spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts and an outdoor summer venue at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, N.C., the Symphony performs about 60 concerts annually in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary metropolitan area. It also holds regular concert series in Fayetteville, New Bern, Southern Pines and Wilmington and individual concerts in many other North Carolina communities throughout the year.
For tickets, program notes, podcasts, musician profiles, the Symphony blog and more, visit the North Carolina Symphony Web site at www.ncsymphony.org. Call North Carolina Symphony Audience Services at 919.733.2750 or toll free 877.627.6724. |
|
|
Swing into Christmas at Roanoke Rapids Theatre December 3 |
|
October 12, 2011
 ROANOKE RAPIDS - Santa's Place will be swinging at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre Dec. 3 when the Tar River Swing Band brings its brand of jazz with a holiday flair to the Roanoke Valley.
The band, under the direction of Jonathan Wacker, will be bringing the classic sound of big band swing jazz and Christmas, kicking off the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at the beautiful theater for young and old alike.
"It's the classics you remember and the holiday ones too," said concert promoter Jim Babson. "The band plays for the love of music, and they're really good."
Wacker will lead the 22-member ensemble doing the music of Glenn Miller, with vocals mixed in as well and featuring additional selections by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Tommy Dorsey and many others. The concert is a celebration of the danceable swing style of band leaders from Count Basie to Benny Goodman and recently revived in the performances of Vegas headliners Michael Buble, Rod Stewart and Harry Connick Jr.
Hilton Concerts, which brought the successful Keith Henderson "Illusions of the King" to The Roanoke Rapids Theatre last spring, is proud to present "Swingin at Santa's Place." Tickets are available at www.hiltonconcerts.com or by calling the Hilton Concerts Ticket Line at 252-410-1375 between the hours of Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m until 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, located on Premier Boulevard, beginning Oct. 17. Tickets range from $20 to $30, plus applicable fees.
|
|
Local celebrity Adam Fields brings home the bacon from Bull Shoals, Arkansas!
Hundreds of people from all around the US flocked to BROSTOCK, the summer's biggest pro double-up contest, to party and watch their favorite pro riders stick gnarly tricks.
Adam landed all of his signature moves and won the contest with a Slim Chance 540. He beat out the top wakeboarders in the world and brought home $13,500.
"Winning BroStock is my biggest personal competitive achievement so far," Adam said. "This means more to me than winning the World Championships because all the top riders were there and I beat them!" |
|
Halifax County Rocks NC Tourism Office |
|
The Halifax County CVB has installed a display in the lobby of the North Carolina Division of Tourism's Raleigh office to promote the area’s attractions. Among the featured attractions are Historic Halifax, the Dallas Jones Veterans Museum, Riverside Mill, Sylvan Heights and Lake Gaston.
The display also includes a 72-inch statue of a rockfish featuring iconic North Carolina symbols, from the “Roanoke Valley Rocks” public relations and public art campaign. The Rockfish was chosen as the campaign mascot to pay homage to one of the world’s premier sport fish that chooses to return home to the Roanoke Valley each spring. To promote the campaign, the Halifax County CVB will design a promotional brochure and map, which will lead residents and visitors on a tour of the county to see the rockfish statues and the local businesses that display them. The displays will also be promoted on radio, in the newspaper and on VisitHalifax.com.
The Halifax County display has drawn a great deal of attention and will remain up through the month of August. |
|
Angels Welcome at Bed & Breakfast |
|
Encouraging Words by Donna Clements
As printed in The Daily Herald of Roanoke Rapids
I have a dear friend: Her name is Kathryne. She promenades through the first years of the ninth decade of her exuberant life, resembling a vintage doily.
She is delicate to the eye, slightly sugar-starched for stability, and woven throughout the edges of her existence like a colorful silk ribbon, the Roanoke Valley is interlaced within her being. Of the many ways in which she serves us, the most extraordinary to me is her ministry of joyfully entertaining angels.
As the proprietress of Heathsville Haven Bed and Breakfast in Enfield, a standing invitation to experience the snugness of her encompassing home and gardens is extended to a world of strangers. Having reserved rooms via internet or telephone, Kathryne patiently awaits their arrival. When finally the doorbell is rung and the door is opened, she steps aside beckoning them to enter.
Some pull up on their broomsticks, others maybe on spaceship, still more on traditional automobile, but some … surely some … gently fall from the sky to gently land upon her doorstep, folding their wings behind them.
She entertains undercover agents, lawyers, artists, professors, business executives, pastors and genealogists; ranging from young to old, and in-between. Some arrive late into the night and leave early the next morning. Some stay for several days, carrying out their mission of job responsibility. Others come to relax and enjoy our beautiful Roanoke Valley. Some come to pronounce their marital vows; others to renew them. I’m sure some must be angels.
And speaking of angels, Kathryne was married to one! His name was Haywood, and he departed this life several years ago, leaving their life-long dream of entertaining angels to her. She carries forth the mission bravely, but you can still sense the presence of her devoted husband about her.
She speaks of him romantically, with everlasting marital fidelity continuing to bond their love. She recalls the many, many years she was awakened in the dawn of day by the smell of his after shave lotion as he completed his morning toiletry ritual. Oh, my goodness! Does that angelic thought not bring the tears of romantic bliss to your eyes and cause your heart to skip a beat?
A Master Gardener, Kathryne has respectfully dedicated her beautifully landscaped gardens to Haywood. And she shares her plants like she shares her hospitality — with love and dedication to a more colorful tomorrow.
Her entrepreneurial skills are amazing. She oversees every last detail of the practical, technical and legal responsibilities of operating a licensed bed and breakfast.
I know Haywood is proud.
As their love magnetically pulls travelers from the roadways, Kathryn places her hand upon the handle of their home, always a thrill to see the new set of faces before her.
Yes, folks arrive as strangers, but they depart as friends. And it is a naturally drawn conclusion that some … oh, yes some … are angels.
Donna Clements is a professional speaker and writer. You may reach Donna by phoning 252-326-9194 or e-mailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
© 2011 Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
|
|
