Tag: Dorton Arena concerts

Weekend Update: Sept. 16-18

Supporting North Carolina’s firefighters and paramedics can be as simple as buying a concert ticket. The Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of N.C. Presents Neal McCoy in Concert Saturday at 8 p.m. in Dorton Arena. General admission is $28, and doors open at 7 p.m. Buy tickets at www.pffpnc.net or at Dorton Arena Box Office beginning at 5 p.m. on the day of the concert. Other events this weekend include: The 59th Annual N.C. State Championship Horse Show is Thursday through Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in the Hunt Horse Complex. Admission is free to morning sessions. Whiplash will perform each night…

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Orquesta GarDel brings Latin fire to Dorton Arena Sunday, Oct. 18

Dorton Arena will fill with the dynamic Latin sounds and performance of Orquesta GarDel Sunday, Oct. 18, giving Latin music fans exactly “lo que tú querías” or “what you want.” Lo Que Tú Querías is also the name of the group’s latest release. This modern salsa band with a bold multinational sound has its roots firmly in North Carolina. The group formed just down the road from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and consists of 13 members, including horn players, percussionists and coro singers. Coro singers perform the chorus, or most recognizable part, of the song. “One…

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Artist Spotlight: Eli Young Band

When Mike Eli and James Young were “living the dream” in college their freshman year, I wonder if they ever envisioned turning those dreams into such a big reality on the country music scene. Whether they thought it would ever happen or not, the pair has gradually built a strong following, touring with country stars such as Miranda Lambert and gaining national attention on CMT and GMT.  All the while, the band continued to focus on songwriting, which paid off with the No. 1 hit, “Crazy Girl,” in 2011 and the 2012 Academy of Country Music Award’s Song of the…

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Artist Spotlight: Dailey & Vincent

I must admit, I’ve never been much of a bluegrass fan, but it’s safe to say that after listening to Dailey & Vincent, I’ve been converted. The band is clearly after more than popular, mainstream recognition; it seeks true artistry and authenticity in its music. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent founded the group in 2007 and have been entertaining with a unique blend of harmonic vocals and instrumentals ever since. The pair is joined by four other band members to create an authentically bluegrass experience. This band is undoubtedly talented; each member is a gifted musician with a slew of…

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Artist Spotlight: Scotty McCreery

Country superstar and Garner native Scotty McCreery is no stranger to the N.C. State Fair. He played two sold-out concerts during the 2012 fair, and we are lucky to have him performing again this year on Oct. 21 and 22. McCreery’s nationwide popularity started when he burst onto the country music scene after winning “American Idol” in 2011. Perhaps it was his dazzling smile and country-tinged vocals that America fell in love with while watching the show, but I know I was won over by his Southern charm. While on the show, McCreery performed songs by country legends Garth Brooks…

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Ready, Set, Buy! Advance ticket sales open Thursday

Advance tickets for the 2013 N.C. State Fair go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. Buying early is the best way to save if you want to stretch your dollar as far as you can on admission and ride tickets. And, if you’re looking for a front-row seat to one of the Dorton Arena concerts, you’re definitely going to want to be in front of a computer when tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. We want your ticket-buying experience to be as smooth as possible, so here are some tips to have a stress-free experience: BE PATIENT! Things…

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Artist Spotlight: Brian McKnight

With a career that spans more than 20 years, Brian McKnight continues to be a powerful voice in the R&B community. Dedicated fans can probably remember playing his self-titled 1992 debut album on their Walkmans, and rewinding “One Last Cry” over and over and over again. For some fans, including yours truly, Brian McKnight will always be 1999’s “Back at One” album. That album was great for slow dancing and the title track, “Back at One,” taught millions of us about a five-step process to win over our loves. Flash forward to 2012 and Brian McKnight has a new album,…

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Artist Spotlight: Jake Owen

Country artist Jake Owen will be performing at the N.C. State Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13.  Owen, who entered the country music scene in 2006, quickly made a name for himself with hits such as “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone With You” and “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.” The Florida native, like so many other singers, moved to Nashville with a guitar and a dream. But unlike many others, he was almost an immediate success. Within months of moving to Nashville, Jake had landed a contract. He recorded his first album, “Startin’ with Me,” and quickly followed it up…

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Varsity Vocal Showcase kicks off Dorton Concerts

My first exposure to a cappella, like many people my age, was a little singing group named Rockapella on a PBS game show called Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Carmen Sandiego always managed to escape, but the theme song was forever stuck in my head thanks to the amazing vocals of Rockapella. Flash forward 20 years and shows like The Sing Off and Glee are exposing even more people to the fun and entertainment of a cappella. The first-ever Varsity Vocal Showcase presented by Mattress Firm is our way of highlighting some of the amazing voices here in…

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Artist Spotlight: Scotty McCreery

I’ve never been a fan of “American Idol.” I don’t dislike the show; I’ve just never really had a chance to get hooked. But on May 25, 2011, like many others from this area, I was glued to my TV screen for the “American Idol” Season 10 finale for the tight competition between Lauren Alaina and Garner native Scotty McCreery. Alaina and McCreery are both incredibly talented country singers (one of my favorite genres), but everything in me wanted McCreery to win. First of all, there’s that deep, resonant, Josh Turner-like voice. Then, there’s the feeling of pride that comes…

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