dunncenter.com | 1 SEASON SHOWS 2023-2024
2 | 2023-2024 Season Shows Greetings Cultural Art Enthusiasts, It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve as Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the past 18 years. Over the last 27 years, this incredible cultural and entertainment center has hosted thousands of concerts, art exhibits, dance recitals, national competitions, musicals and stage plays. It has also welcomed a First Lady and several Governors, as well as corporate meetings, economic development announcements, debates and graduations. A division of the Advancement Department at NC Wesleyan University, The Dunn Center continues to experience tremendous growth. Through the generosity of numerous donors, we have fully renovated the Mims Gallery. In addition, we are in the process of transforming the Carlton Board Room and the Alfred L. Sweatt Courtyard. These beautiful spaces are available for corporate orientations and training, parties, receptions and retreats. I’m excited to introduce the performing arts series for the 2023-2024 season and six stunning art exhibitions to be featured in our newly redesigned Galleries. The Wesleyan Singers will, once again, be presenting two programs this season. Check out all the wonderful offerings that will be available, some are complimentary and season shows are very affordable. Parking is always convenient and included. Call 252.985.5197 for assistance with season tickets, access to the world premiere of Bob Ross “Fantastic Little Paintings” or rentals. Sincerely, Sheila Powell Martin Executive Director EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A MESSAGE FROM THE
3 2023 2024 SEASON SHOWS Janice Gravely Exhibition Color Outside the Lines by Ophelia Stanton Boundless by Grace Bell Fantastic Little Paintings by Bob Ross Abstract Journey of Expressionism by Tamela Stith Threshold by Marion Weathers Staging Characters: Costumes by Court Watson ART GALLERIES 3 Redneck Tenors Rockland Road The Breakfast Club Tony Jackson Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters PERFORMANCES 4 10 Schedule
4 | 2023-2024 Season Shows ROCKLAND ROAD 3 REDNECK TENORS SEASON OPENER 9•8 FRIDAY The “infamous” 3 Redneck Tenors have seen it all and sing it all, making us laugh till we double over. They remind us that in life, it is not the destination, it’s the journey. Get ready for a sidesplitting ride as we go on an excursion only the 3 Redneck Tenors could have had, delighting audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music ranging from gospel, to country, to Broadway, pop and classical. You’re going to love them and so will anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for incredible voices. Join us at our season opener, we promise you have to see it— right here at The Dunn Center!
dunncenter.com | 5 3 REDNECK TENORS ROCKLAND ROAD 10•13 FRIDAY Six musicians representing four generations of musical heritage—all vocalists who among them play 23 different instruments, is Rockland Road. Paul and Jamie Martin began singing together in 2010 with their four children: March, Kell, Texas and Tallant. This is a powerhouse group featuring soulful vocals imbued with a pure, exuberant joy worthy of the talented blood that flows through this family’s veins. They’ve taken their stage show to venues as varied as the U.S. Library of Congress, the White House, the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Cruise and countless fairs, festivals and performing arts centers across the country. You will not want to miss Rockland Road here at The Dunn Center!
6 | 2023-2024 Season Shows THE BREAKFAST CLUB® 11•10 FRIDAY This is not some wig-wearing, mall fashion version of an ‘80’s cover band, lip-syncing to tracks while pretending to play an unplugged guitar. This is real hair, real 1980s clothes, real vocals and real musical talent. The Breakfast Club® is the real deal, performing live ‘80’s pop “better than the original artists” - Wilmington Star News. The guys of The Breakfast Club® have shared the stage with numerous music legends including, but not limited to, Whitesnake, The Romantics, Poison, Drivin’n’Cryin’, Hootie and The Blowfish, White Lion, The Smithereens, Edwin McCain and many others. Come flashback to the ‘80s with The Breakfast Club® here at The Dunn Center!
dunncenter.com | 7 TONY JACKSON 1•26 FRIDAY Setting the country music world on fire with his back-to-tradition vocal style on his highly acclaimed debut album, Tony Jackson never looked back! Touted as one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music, his strong emotionally-charged and engaging voice captured the hearts of millions, seemingly overnight. The former U.S. Marine is often compared to Randy Travis, the man who ushered in a new era and blew the doors off country music! Spot Tony Jackson here at The Dunn Center!
8 | 2023-2024 Season Shows ROCKLAND ROAD SEASON FINALE CLOSE TO YOU THE MUSIC OF THE CARPENTERS 2•9 FRIDAY Considered one of the best vocalists of all time, Karen Carpenter captured the attention of a generation with the surprisingly deep material of her unabashedly catchy pop music. Singer and playwright, Lisa Rock, has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Carpenter, and brings it to the stage with her six-piece backing band. Dedicated to recreating the true sound of The Carpenters, Rock and her band showcase some of the most memorable songs of the 70s including “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and of course “Close to You.” What a great way to end our season with Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters right here at The Dunn Center!
dunncenter.com | 9 WESLEYAN SINGERS THE MUSIC OF THE CARPENTERS Wesleyan Singers is one of NCWU’s oldest performing ensembles. The group was founded in 1960 by Dr. William G. Sasser, the University’s first professor of music. The Wesleyan Singers learn and perform a wide variety of music including classical, spirituals, show tunes and popular selections. In addition to presenting a concert each semester, the group provides music for special events on campus as well as in the community. Wesleyan students, faculty, staff and members of the local community are welcome to join this ensemble. Garner Lobby | 7:00 PM 11•13•23 FALL CONCERT AUTUMN IN NEW YORK Garner Lobby | 7:00 PM 4•8•24 SPRING CONCERT MUSIC OF STAGE AND SCREEN
10 | 2023-2024 Season Shows GRAVELY GALLERY
dunncenter.com | 11 The Gravely Gallery at The Dunn Center is a new space for edgy, young art made possible by a generous gift in honor of the late Janice Gravely. As a showcase for student talent at both NCWU and other local schools, it’s a great entry point for emerging artists and a tremendous benefit to the local art community. With so much to see and do at The Dunn Center, here’s a brand new gallery fulfilling that promise! Visit the Gravely Gallery to see a rotating exhibit of Janice Gravely’s artwork! Color Outside the Lines OPHELIA STANTON 8•16 to 10•6 2023
12 | 2023-2024 Season Shows Boundless Fantastic Little Paintings MIMS GALLERY Our longstanding, workhorse gallery returns newly renovated and showcasing another incredible season. Our Art Curator, Greg Purcell, continues to bring more innovative and diverse art. From outside the bounds of Grace Bell to outside the lines of Ophelia Stanton, there’s so much to see in 2023, even more in 2024! In support of our cultural mission and quality entertainment, the Mims Art Gallery annually produces a series of art exhibits by nationally recognized and local professionals from various and diverse populations. Most gallery events are free to the public and bring music and art together for reception parties where visitors and art collectors can talk with visiting artists one-on-one. Most artwork is for sale and we encourage supporting these artists by collecting their artwork. 2023 GRACE BELL 8•10 to 10•13 2023 BOB ROSS 11•2 to 1•4 2023
dunncenter.com | 13 Abstract Journey of Expressionism Threshold Staging Characters: Costumes 2024 TAMELA STITH 1•11 to 3•1 2024 MARION WEATHERS 3•7 to 4•25 2024 COURT WATSON 5•2 to 8•1 2024
FANTASTIC LITTLE PAINTINGS COMING NOVEMBER 2, 2023 UNTIL JANUARY 4, 2024 100% of the proceeds from this exhibit will go to North Carolina Wesleyan University. These funds will help the University attract future exhibits and enhance its art programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! Receive updates & reminders about the world’s largest Bob Ross Painting Exhibition coming to NCWU. PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY Scan QR Code or visit ncwc.edu/artgalleries *FREE admission for children under five. Admission not included in Season Tickets PER PERSON*
Includes the following: $150* SEASON TICKETS 9•8•23 3 Redneck Tenors 10•13•23 Rockland Road 11•10•23 The Breakfast Club® 1•26•24 Tony Jackson 2•9•24 Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters 2023-2024 Mail Registration To: The Dunn Center 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Shows start at 7:30 PM Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _______________ Phone: ________________________________ Email: ________________________________ Check (Payable to The Dunn Center) Credit Card: Number: _______________________________ Security Code: _______ Expiration: _________ Signature: ______________________________ Quantity _____ x 150* Each: $___________ Donation to The Dunn Center’s Renovation Fund: $___________ (Optional) Total: $___________ If you are a current ticket holder, do you desire the same seat or have another preference? _______________________________________ *Includes NC Sales Tax PAYMENT SEASON TICKETS GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS TODAY!
16 | 2023-2024 Season Shows 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 252.985.5197 | dunncenter.com