Forum Music Series Lees McRae College Banner Elk
Forum Music Series Lees McRae College Banner Elk
2024 Summer Schedule
Welcome to the 43rd season of FORUM! Two performances of each show will occur on Monday evenings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. throughout the season in the Hayes Auditorium. The doors will open 30 minutes before each performance and will run approximately 60+ minutes with no intermission.
SHOW INFORMATION, CLICK HERE
For questions or to purchase season tickets contact: Forum Coordinator Elizabeth Roberts at 828-898-8748
Monday night shows for 2024:
June 17
Shake Baby Shake
Shake Baby Shake is an explosive retrospective stage show biography of the golden age of Rock & Roll. Performing the hits of the major artists of the 1950's and 60's, pumpin’ piano entertainer Lance Lipinsky and his authentic show band the Lovers, tell the story behind the music. Preserving the original authentic sound of the music combined with high energy showmanship, Lance Lipinsky explores the melting pot of styles that created pop music's most innovative decade.
June 24
Rhinestone Cowgirls
Pay homage to the iconic female vocalists of yesterday and today: Legendary Ladies of Country Music! Three powerhouse singers perform fresh arrangements of classic and contemporary country hits in this elegant and authentic journey celebrating the evolution of country music’s humble beginnings to the giants of today’s music industry. Relive classics like Patsy Cline's “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette's “Stand by Your Man,” and Loretta Lynn's “Coal Miner’s Daughter” as well as new favorites like Martina McBride's “Independence Day” and Carrie Underwood's “His Last Name.”
July 1
Symphony of the Mountains
Returning for the 5th straight time, Symphony of the Mountains has a strong and proud heritage. The orchestra began when a small group of musicians dreamed of having a civic orchestra in 1946. Through the decades, musical enrichment included classical concerts, entertaining pop and light musical offerings, captivating soloists, and empowering opportunities for young musicians. In the 80’s and 90’s the orchestra grew steadily and increased its outreach. The orchestra has become a fully professional orchestra. Today the orchestra consists of more than 60 professional musicians and is conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth.
July 8
Believe–A Tribute to Cher
With 10 years of theatrical experience in musicals behind her, Kara easily rose to the challenge, proving to one and all that she could portray Cher, without any difficulty at all. Suddenly, Kara had a new calling. One that has served her very well. Now, after a decade performing in dinner theatres, casinos, concert halls, and at corporate events, Kara has built a reputation as one of the top Cher tribute artists in the world. Her combination of boundless energy, charisma, humor, and talent lets her easily morph into her alter ego, Cher, and gives audiences the powerful and unforgettable experience that only a true star can give.
July 15
The Modern Gentlemen
With an extraordinary origin story starting out as members of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame band “The Four Seasons”, Landon Beard, Todd Fournier and brothers Brian Brigham and Brandon Brigham were almost predestined to become the MODERN voices of yesterday. They were all handpicked by the legendary Frankie Valli to perform for audiences all over the world with the music icon. After well over a decade together, Valli graciously gave his blessing to start their own group. This marked a significant turning point in their careers, allowing them to showcase their own talents and carve out a unique place in the music industry.
July 22
7 Bridges–Ultimate Eagles Experience
Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Steve Leslie performs the music of James Taylor in HOW SWEET IT IS!, an authentic and spellbinding concert event! Steve’s warm baritone and exceptional guitar technique (not to mention his uncanny resemblance) will have audiences singing along to such classics as “Carolina In My Mind,” “Shower the People,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Fire and Rain,” “Up On the Roof,” and many more. Audiences are raving about HOW SWEET IT IS! and the level of genuine craftsmanship Steve Leslie brings to James Taylor’s incredible catalog of songs.
July 29
The Sounds of Soul
Get ready to relive the hits of Motown and beyond as this exciting, high-energy act unleashes superior vocals and slick dance moves powered by pure soul! Performing a combination of Motown classics mixed with some of the greatest pop and R&B hits ever written, featuring hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Barry White, and more! Since launching in 1996, THE SOUNDS OF SOUL has headlined from Los Angeles to the French Quarter. On the airwaves, the group has appeared on the internationally syndicated show “Dance Connection” (seen in over 100 television markets), and they have shared the stage with The O’Jays, Bobby Brown, and funny man Sinbad.
August 5
Broadway to the Big Screen with Jenene Caramielo
Back by popular demand after appearing in 2022, she can roll from genres of music from pop to singing Broadway at a level that few reach. She has been traveling across the world captivating audiences with her eclectic background of musical theater, pop, country, and opera. Her talent to sing a wide variety of music has opened many doors along the way in her career and has allowed incredible opportunities. With a thirst to travel she continues her career performing with her own show and is headlining some of the top luxury cruise lies in the world such as Crystal, Regent, and Oceania. Jenene has had sold out shows in some of the top cabaret rooms in the country.
