Music is a powerful escape for those who are willing to slow down and immerse themselves in the experience that it brings. From a campfire or 80’s rock show to a fantasy world of wizards and dragons, music can transport you to just about anywhere if you’re willing to listen. Charlie St. Cyr-Paul, carillonneur for Cast in Bronze, harnesses this truth and uses it as the impetus behind the making of his show across the world.
Although his flagship instrument is the drums, Charlie has played a lot of roles throughout his musical career, including music director, singer, recording artist and carillonneur. “I’ve been blessed to work with many well-known artists and perform worldwide as a musician,” he said. “However, nothing compares to sharing the epic sounds of the Carillon, the music industry’s best kept secret, with audiences across the globe.” Nearly 25 years ago, while performing various roles at Walt Disney World, Charlie met a man named Frank DellaPenna, who happened to be the creator of Cast in Bronze. The two worked closely together for nearly twenty years, producing music, performing shows, and studying at the North American Carillon School. “When Frank chose to retire, he bestowed the Carillon to me, claiming that the bells had chosen me to carry on their legacy,” Charlie said. “I spent six months practicing and learning the instrument, applying music theory, etc., before taking them on the road as Cast in Bronze.”
This year, Charlie is returning to the N.C. State Fair after a two-year hiatus (from this fair) and bringing his powerful music to Heritage Circle. “I am super excited to be back at the fair this year,” he said. “I’ve been preparing and working on my setlists to bring an array of sounds for all ages to enjoy.” So how does a musical artist prepare for an event like the N.C. State Fair? Charlie says the first steps are to look at the audience/event demographic and what’s trending in the music industry.
“The N.C. State Fair is a magical place for many reasons, one being the generations and diversity of individuals that walk through the gates each day,” Charlie said. “My first thought as an artist playing to that arena is to bring iconic music and familiar themes that speak to every age, race, and culture.” The Cast in Bronze show can feature both instrumental music and lyrical arrangements. “People react differently to each piece,” he said. “For example, Harry Potter fans might run over and invest in the show when they hear me playing the iconic Hedwig’s Theme, but other individuals might be drawn to the classic rock hits from Queen or Coldplay. My goal as an artist is to hit a variety of genres and sounds that excite everyone.” In fact, each show that Charlie plays will differ from each other due to the audience and engagement present in the moment. “I want people to hear my music and be drawn to it in a way that makes them sit down, slow down, and fully relax into the experience,” he said.
For those who have never seen the Cast in Bronze performance, it’s like seeing a movie without knowing the title or plot. “The Carillon itself invites excitement, anticipation and unknowing expectation,” Charlie said. “The music that it evokes, then, creates a powerful, epic, and engaging experience that far exceeds any pre-conceived expectations.” Whether the music leads you to clap and sing-along or sit down and close your eyes, the show is meant to draw audience engagement and create memories that last a lifetime. “The beauty of the Carillon is that many people have never heard it’s sound,” said Charlie. “This 35-bell instrument can take you to a fantasy world full of magic, recreate your childhood theme songs, or replicate the top hits of today, all within a 30-minute time frame. All it requires is that you slow down and allow yourself to fully experience all that it has to offer.”
Cast in Bronze will have multiple performance times each day of the N.C. State Fair, taking place October 16-26th in Raleigh. Showtimes can be found in the Daily Schedule on the N.C. State Fair website, or on the grounds during the fair in heritage circle. In addition to his awe-inspiring performances, Charlie will also have merch available for purchase, including his brand-new children’s book, CD’s, magnets, and stickers. No matter what brings you to the N.C. State Fair this fall, take a few moments to stop by the Cast in Bronze show and allow it to transport you to places beyond your imagination!
The Cast in Bronze entertainment show at the 2025 N.C. State Fair is presented by Vacation Village Resorts.