Tag Archive for: #mcgregorhall

McGregor Hall

Embassy Foundation to Mull Proposal for McGregor Hall Economic Impact Study

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The Embassy Cultural Center Foundation is in the planning phase of conducting an economic impact study of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on the Henderson economy.

The foundation recently sought a proposal from the Municipal Research Lab at North Carolina State University for completion of the study. Representatives from NC State responded with a proposal that included a breakdown of proceedings, a completion timeline and a total project cost of $17,500.

The proposal included the following proceedings:

  • Conduct an examination of pertinent data including economic, demographic, income, and employment, as well as studies that relate to the economy of the town.
  • Conduct an examination of pertinent data from McGregor Hall, including costs associated with maintaining the venue and revenues from events.
  • Conduct an examination of the local tax receipts and spending patterns throughout the county.
  • Meet with members of the foundation, as well as local community and business leaders and other stakeholders, to gain insight into the role of the venue in the community, as well as to gain a better understanding of the local economy.
  • Establish conclusions and recommendations for action, including recommended actions and strategies to guide the town in its development plans, as well as to overcome identified shortcomings.

According to NC State representatives, the completion time for the study is estimated at four months, with the project to begin on January 7, 2019, and the final report to be submitted by May 6, 2019.

Researchers would begin the process by meeting with Embassy Cultural Center Foundation representatives, requesting data on McGregor Hall and reviewing local government tax receipts. A draft of the report would then be submitted to the Center for review by mid-April, with final presentations and findings reported in May.

According to Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, the study would serve a twofold purpose, “The Embassy Foundation has reached out to NC State in regards to this study to get a better understanding of the current economic impact of McGregor Hall as well as to establish ways we can expand upon that impact moving forward.”

The next step in the process, Jarvis said, is for community partners to discuss the proposal and to determine how to proceed. “There will be discussions with the Downtown Development Commission, the County, the City, McGregor Hall and the community in general to determine our next move.”

Former Miss NC Victoria Huggins Talks Her Role as Belle in ‘Beauty and the Beast’

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Victoria Huggins, a former Miss North Carolina and the upcoming female lead in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” was invited to “be our guest” on WIZS’ Town Talk program.

Huggins, who is originally from Robeson County, will step into the shoes of the spunky and intelligent Belle, a girl who loves to read and whose head is always full of adventure. Belle finds herself on just such an adventure when her father is captured by a hideous beast who lives in an enchanted castle deep in the woods. When Belle courageously takes her father’s place as prisoner, she learns there is so much more to the beast, played by Vance County resident Jonathan O’Geary, than meets the eye.

Huggins, whose many accomplishments include performing as a child in the Alabama Theatre’s Christmas productions, being crowned Miss North Carolina in 2017, competing in the Miss America pageant and auditioning for American Idol, said her current role is truly special. “This is a dream role for me,” said Huggins. “I’ve looked up to Belle ever since I could walk.”

In addition to Huggins and O’Geary, the large cast of characters includes Josh Glasscock as Cogsworth; Brian Westbrook as Lumiere; Jackson Hopper as LeFou, Shana Fisher as Mrs. Potts; Lilly Hicks and Eva Hopper sharing the role of Chip and even McGregor Hall’s Technical Director Matt Nowell as the villain Gaston.

“It’s pretty cool to see him come from behind the scenes into the spotlight,” Huggins remarked of Nowell.

According to Huggins, the live orchestra and professional costumes and sets provided by the National Broadway Tour, along with the venue itself, will create a magical atmosphere and will really bring the well-beloved characters to life.

“I fell in love with the venue immediately, not only because of the breathtaking stage and seats, but it’s attached to the library,” said Huggins. “I think it is fantastic how people are connected to the arts here in Henderson.”

“Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at McGregor Hall, 201 Breckenridge St. in downtown Henderson, at 8 p.m. on October 26 & 27 and November 2 & 3. There will also be a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performance on October 28 and November 4.

Tickets are still available and may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

For those with children or grandchildren who love “Beauty and the Beast,” Chick-fil-A of Henderson will host a “Crafts with Belle” night tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. Huggins will be on hand to participate in crafts and activities.

Also, don’t miss “Tea with Belle” on Saturday, October 27 & November 3 at 2 p.m. at McGregor Hall. Children will have the opportunity to have tea on stage with Belle and see her in her ballgown.

Huggins said she is excited about these upcoming events and can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store for the performances.

“Everybody is going to be blown away by this show.”

Listen to the interview in its entirety by clicking here.

McGregor Hall – Unique Economic, Cultural Opportunity

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McGregor Hall is unique.  It’s large.  It’s privately funded.  It’s well positioned to promote economic prosperity and cultural diversity.  It’s something that not every community has.  And today on its very stage, a group interested in the 1,000 seat performance and learning center met to learn more about how to cultivate the vision that started about 20 years ago.

Anyone who’s chosen to attend a show, been to a meeting, taken a tour or otherwise entered McGregor Hall can see its beauty.  And many have and continue to envision what it will do.  What’s not easy to see or feel, just yet, is the economic impact.  And, to that end, in fact, an economic impact study of McGregor Hall is needed.

Dr. Bruce McDonald and Tom White from NC State came to Henderson today to discuss McGregor Hall and its impact, to learn more about the facility and to spur still more progression in the team of people, volunteers and the community at large that is supporting the facility.

(WIZS Photo) – Seated around the table starting on the left are Dennis Jarvis, Benny Finch, Nancy Wykle and Ray Gronberg from The Daily Dispatch, Tom White and Dr. Bruce McDonald from NCST, Archie Taylor, Tommy Hester, John Wester, Jordan McMillen, Frank Frazier, Sandra Wilkerson, Pam Hester, Eddie Ellington and with their backs to the camera are Mark Hopper and Jim Nutt.

White, who is the Director of the Economic Development Partnership with the Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development at NC State University, said McGregor Hall is a unique resource and discussed its positive spillover effect, and not just for downtown.

McDonald, who is an associate professor of public budgeting and finance and director of the MPA program at NC State University’s School of Public and International Affairs, said, “Theater builds a sense of community.”  He said people will move towards it, not away, because it’s stabilizing and adds quality of life.

Things change, and one change being seen now is a much harder look at locating business and industry out away from larger metropolitan areas.  As McDonald said it, “There is more to our state than RDU and Charlotte.”

The folks who own, operate and work for businesses and industries want to see cultural and social opportunity.

Look at Variety Wholesalers, which chose Henderson over Raleigh.  M.R. Williams chose Henderson over other areas not just to maintain an existing operation but to grow it immensely.  Mako Medical Laboratories chose Henderson.  Mars Pet Care recently spent millions and millions at its facility.

According to Mark Hopper, Vice Chair of the Board for the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation and McGregor Hall, “Business contributions are up 1,400 percent in three years.”  That’s since day one.  Hopper also said, “But if we just had a few more resources.”

Chairman of the Embassy Cultural Foundation John Wester said, “It’s a learning center.  There are no limits to what we can do.”  He said we’re doing this on our own which is unique without city or county appropriations, taxes or anything like that, but we’re offering good for the community.

Not only is McGregor Hall attracting talent from the local area, but actors and actresses and performers from Raleigh and Durham are coming to Henderson as well as many others from far away.

Hopper said, “The arts is not about end product.  For me, the arts is about reaching people and changing lives.  Everybody craves community, and we can provide a place to connect.”

Hopper said it’s a lean operation and we’re “fiscally responsible and responsible to community.”  Not only has the 1,000 seat venue been rented by local people needing a space, but local school initiatives like “Arts Alive” benefit from McGregor Hall.  Mecklenburg and Halifax counties in Virginia have formed a relationship with McGregor Hall for use of the space.

That’s use across county and state lines, and the resource is right here in Henderson.

Whether you are over 40 years old or under 40, whether you are in school or in retirement, whether you love music, or plays or performances or none of the above, McGregor Hall is your resource too.  And a positive report from an economic impact study could increase funding opportunities and speed up pledges and sponsorships for McGregor Hall.

Based on what was said today, McGregor Hall is an economic stimulus, and for that to be true, civic pessimism won’t do.

‘Laugh It Up!’ Comedy Show to Entertain at McGregor Hall

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-Information and flyer courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The Laugh It Up! Comedy Show featuring headlining acts Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones and  Shucky Ducky will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8 p.m.

HHHAAAMM – BBBUURRRGGGEEERR!!!!!

Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones has become a people’s favorite all over the world. Comedian Hamburger is on a mission to let people know they are not living right. In doing so, Hamburger tries not to use profanity, like gentlemen of the old west who did not swear in front of the ladies. Instead, comedian Alonzo Jones has substituted profanity with one word…..HAMBURGER.

QUACK – QUACK!!!!!

Cecil “Shucky Ducky” Armstrong has appeared on “Def Comedy Jam.” He has also been the ringmaster of the UniverSoul Circus. He is known for the catchphrase “Shucky Ducky Quack Quack.” He describes his catchphrase as meaning disappointment or excitement.

The night’s emcee is Les Long. Tara “Sister Bigbone” Sharp and Darren Fleet join in on the fun.

The Comedy Show is part of the Heritage! Performance Series. Doors open one hour before the show.

Tickets on sale for $32.03 and may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Mother’s Day Weekend Concert at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Mother’s Day weekend concert with Terrance & Tiffany Brown at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Friday, May 11, 2018, at 8 p.m.

Tickets on sale for $20 (before tax)

Dr. Terrance Brown, baritone, and Dr. Tiffany Bostic-Brown, soprano, are versatile, world-class vocalists who will present a program of Art Songs, German Lieder, Gospel and Broadway.

A native of Alabama, Dr. Brown holds a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts, and currently serves as the Chair for the Department of Music and Director of Opera at the University of North Alabama (UNA).

Dr. Bostic-Brown, originally of Virginia, currently serves on the faculty at UNA and holds a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts. She also serves as Vice President for the Walk with Me Foundation, which works to preserve culture through the visual and performing arts.

Tickets may be purchased in-person at the box office of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by calling (252) 598-0662. The box office is open Monday – Friday from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www.McGregorHall.org  (use the eTix official site, online fees apply).

Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Group and student discounts are available.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Musicians Michael Stephenson & Mark Hopper to Perform at McGregor Hall Friday, April 27

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 — Press Release submitted by McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

SPRINGTIME BECKONS WITH AN UPBEAT EVENING OF JAZZ, SPIRITUALS & LIGHT CLASSICAL MUSIC

On Friday, April 27, two of North Carolina’s very own musicians, Michael Stephenson and Mark Hopper, will join together on the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center for Sax & Piano: A Springtime Concert. Part of the Music at McGregor Series, the evening event will showcase a harmonic display of upbeat jazz, spirituals and light classical music that is sure to dazzle the spirits as spring blossoms color the streets of historic downtown Henderson, N.C.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Several restaurants located near the theater are scheduled to open for pre-concert dinner service.

Stephenson is the Coordinator of Music and Drama at Pitt Community College in Winterville, N.C., and a founding member of the New Century Saxophone Quartet. The Henderson native is also a former faculty member of Vance-Granville Community College, starting the Vance-Granville Community Band.

Hopper is the Minister of Music and Organist at the First Baptist Church in Henderson,  the Vice President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors and a director with the Henderson Rec Players. He will be playing the Hall’s Steinway piano and a 1970 Zuckerman harpsichord.

“Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time of year to dress up for an evening dinner out and jazz concert in historic downtown Henderson,” said Hopper. “Mike and I plan on playing an array of upbeat jazz, spirituals and light classical music.”

The program for Sax & Piano: A Springtime Concert with Michael Stephenson and Mark Hopper includes Sonata in C Minor, BWV 1017 by J. S. Bach; Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla; Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie; Aria by Eugene Bozza; Scaramouche, Op. 165b by Darius Milhaud; Down by the Riverside by Daniel Kallman; and Rumba by Maurice Whitney. For a full setlist, visit www.McGregorHall.org.

Tickets are on sale for $20 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as well as 7 p.m. the night of the show. The Box Office is located at the Hall at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson and can be reached by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at anytime prior to a performance at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, there are other ads on WIZS Radio which are ads paid for by McGregor Hall.)

The Talleys Along With Tribute To Make Gospel Music Headlines On Saturday, April 7

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— press release

Two All-Star Southern Gospel Groups Join Forces On McGregor Hall Stage

The Talleys Along With Tribute To Make Gospel Music Headlines On Saturday, April 7

HENDERSON, N.C. — One of the nation’s most beloved groups in Christian Music today, The Talleys, join forces with Tribute, one of the country’s most dynamic male quartets in Gospel music, for an all-star Southern Gospel concert. McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson, N.C., will host this gathering of talent on  April 7, the first Saturday following the Easter celebration.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m.

“Having both these stellar Gospel groups come together to perform on the McGregor Hall stage is an honor,” said Mark Hopper, Vice President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors. “The Talleys and Tribute are two of the biggest groups in Southern Gospel, and combined, this performance will be a newsmaker in the Southern Gospel world. ”

With an unmistakable style of progressive Southern Gospel, The Talleys have become one of the most beloved groups in Christian music today. Hallmarks of the “Talley sound” are their lush arrangements, close-knit harmonies and powerful vocals.

They’ve enjoyed 10 No.1 singles with two streaks of consecutive chart-toppers. Their most awarded, recognizable and requested songs include the hits Searchin’ The Healer, I Love The Lord and The Answer Is Christ. Their songs and recordings have received awards and nominations from the Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, the Southern Gospel Music Guild Harmony Honors, Sheridan Gospel Network Music Awards and many more.

For this concert, The Talleys will perform with nationally known recording artist Tribute, which has become one of the country’s most dynamic and beloved male quartets in all of Gospel music. In an ever-changing musical climate, Tribute has remained steadfast in their goal to make great music that is both timely and relevant to the current musical scene and fan base.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, there are paid advertisements on WIZS Radio promoting this same event.)

McGregor Hall Transforms Into The Hotel California

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— Press Release submitted by McGregor Hall

Original Eagles Tribute Band, Hotel California, Performs Live In Concert On Friday, March 16

One of the world’s most beloved and best-selling rock bands, the Eagles have touched the hearts of millions with their classic rock music. Songs like “Take It Easy,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Best of My Love,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It to the Limit,” and “Hotel California” are just some of their chart-topping hits.

While many bands recreate these songs from the 1970s, there is only one original tribute to The Eagles and that band, Hotel California, performs at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on March 16.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

“Hotel California prides itself on creating the illusion that you are listening to the famed rock band The Eagles,” said Mark Hopper, Vice President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors. “During Friday night’s show, you will enjoy most all of the classic hits from The Eagles as amazingly performed by Hotel California.”

The famed Eagles’ album ‘Hotel California’ is ranked 37th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and The Eagles band was ranked No. 75 on the magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”

It’s no easy task to replicate a band that’s so well-known and so beloved, but Hotel California does just that, according to Hopper. “Featuring original members within their strongest lineup to date, the band has an easy-going warmth that exemplifies the Southern California sound of the 1970s.”

But the experience of a Hotel California show isn’t just about the band—it’s about celebrating the music and the memories, and the band gets the audiences involved and on their feet.

From Japan to Dubai, Toronto to Texas, Hotel California has boldly taken the tribute band where none had gone before them, and changed an industry’s collective mind about how good a “tribute” band could really be. Today, Hotel California continues to tour internationally, and their stage show has evolved into one of the most impressive and popular productions on the North American soft-seat and festival circuits.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, there are other ads on WIZS Radio about the same concert which are ads paid for by McGregor Hall.)

Travel Back To The Days Of Motown With Masters Of Soul

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

— submitted by McGregor Hall

Travel Back To The Days Of Motown With Masters Of Soul
Motown Revue to perform at McGregor Hall on Saturday, March 3

The Masters of Soul will showcase some of the greatest hits of the 1960s and 1970s as Motown comes to Henderson during a must-experience concert at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center this Saturday, March 3.

The Masters of Soul is a 10-person performing group based in Virginia Beach, Va. Their Motown Revue is a celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and Soul music. The show will feature stylishly costumed, fully choreographed performances of both male and female groups backed by a live band. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

“For many, Masters of Soul is the ultimate stroll down memory lane,” explained said Mark Hopper, vice president of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors. “For younger generations, the show offers an opportunity to experience an era in our country’s history that produced many of the greatest music acts ever recorded.”

Masters of Soul will perform songs from Gladys Knight and The Pips, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Barry White, Sam and Dave, and James Brown, among others.

The group consists of three lead male vocalists and three lead female vocalists backed by a four-piece band of seasoned musicians who’ve been touring together for decades. Masters of Soul has performed to numerous sold-out audiences and garnered rave reviews across the country.

Tickets are on sale for $30 or $25 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, WIZS Radio has aired paid advertising for McGregor Hall for this same event.)

Karen Peck & New River Bring A Spiritual ‘Revival’ To Henderson

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— courtesy of McGregor Hall

Karen Peck & New River Bring A Spiritual ‘Revival’ To Henderson

Southern Gospel Concert At McGregor Hall To Feature Songs From The Chart-Topping Album ‘REVIVAL’

HENDERSON, N.C. (FEBRUARY 20, 2018) —If you’ve heard their hit gospel song ‘Revival,’ then you know the power of Karen Peck and New River to spread the Southern Gospel message. This Friday at 7 p.m., the Christian Music group will bring their unique sound to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C.

Karen Peck and New River is a five-time Grammy Award nominated Southern Gospel Group. They have had over 18 No. 1 hits. In addition, the latest Grammy Nominated album “Hope For All Nations” has made a mark in the Christian community with the concept video filmed in Roatan, Honduras, of their title cut song “Hope For All Nations.”

Their previous album “Pray Now” featured three No. 1 songs, “Pray Now,” “Calling,” and including “I Am Blessed” as being the No. 1 Song of the Year in the top 100 songs of 2016 according to the Singing News Magazine. “Pray Now” garnered a Grammy Nomination and a Dove Award for Album of the Year.

Their previous album, “Revival,” has had two consecutive No. 1 songs with “Revival” and “Finish Well.” “Revival” won the 2014 GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, Song of the Year for the 2014 SGN Diamond Awards, Song of the Year and Progressive Song of the Year for the 2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m.

“Join us to find out how Peck’s flawless, delightful soprano voice has made its way into the hearts of Gospel Music lovers across the country,” said Mark Hopper, VIce President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors.

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(Press release courtesy of McGregor Hall.  McGregor Hall is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid advertisement.)