For pdf version of the press release, please review HERE.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

10 April 2024

Attention:  Editors for Arts, Entertainment, Features and Event Calendars

From: Alive After Five Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

• Ray Jordan, Chair, Alive After Five Committee, 414 Warsaw Road, Clinton, NC 28328. 910.592.6451; email to rjordan@sampsonexpocenter.com.

To arrange advance telephone press interviews with artists participating in the 2024 season please contact, Ray Jordan at rjordan@sampsonexpocenter.com or by telephone at 910.592.6451.

For a complete calendar of events and activities scheduled visit: www.aliveafterfiveclintonnc.com.

Important note regarding photos:  For photos or support materials, contact Ray Jordan via email at rjordan@sampsonexpocenter.com or 910.592.6451.

Alive After Five is a Standing Committee of the Sampson Arts Council, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the cultural lives of the citizens of Sampson County by nurturing and supporting excellence in the arts; promoting, presenting, and encouraging educational arts activities; increasing the local economic impact of the arts; and otherwise enhancing the growth and appreciation of the visual, literary and performing arts.  

Alive After Five is a collaboration between the Sampson Arts Council, the County of Sampson, and the City of Clinton. The Alive After Five Summer Concert Series is funded through the generous support of individuals, companies, corporations, and civic organizations; and receives no direct governmental financial support. The Sampson Arts Council is funded through memberships, donations, and contributions and receives grants and financial support from the North Carolina Arts Council and is a member of North Carolina Presenters Consortium, Inc. and ArtsNC.

ALIVE AFTER FIVE ANNOUNCES

14^th ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES

CONCERTS COMING TO SAMPSON COUNTY

Sampson County, Clinton, NC. Sampson Arts Council, the proud producer of Sampson County’s largest and longest-running free concert series, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Alive After Five Concert Series. This iconic concert series will light up the Clinton City Market in downtown Clinton on May 23, June 20, August 22, September 26, and October 24, from 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm.

Featuring an incredible lineup of bands, Alive After Five promises an unforgettable evening of community fellowship, dancing, and some of the hottest musical talent around. The schedule includes performances by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (May 23^rd); Carolina Dreamers (June 20^th); The Band of Oz (August 22^nd); Liquid Pleasure (Sept. 26^th); and closing out the season, Jim Quick and Coastline (Oct. 24^th).

Ross Kimbro, local DJ and Alive After Five committee member, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "the 2024 Alive After Five Concert Series is bringing a diverse mix of music to the stage that will ultimately bring locals and visitors together for one of our community’s most widely anticipated events.”

In addition to the outstanding musical lineup, Alive After Five will offer an array of attractions for attendees to enjoy. Indulge in the delicious food offerings from food vendors, explore the offerings of official Alive After Five exhibitors, or visit the beer garden.

Darrell Jones, longtime committee member stated, “This fourteen-year-old concert series is a community favorite and brings thousands of people to the streets of downtown in early summer and fall each year. Its success is due heavily to the community’s support and the collaborative efforts of the Sampson Arts Council, City of Clinton, County of Sampson, and the over one-hundred sponsors who make the series possible.”

The Alive After Five concert series is coordinated by Alive After Five Committee members, Kaitlin Adkins, Kara Donatelli, J. P. Duncan, Darrell Jones, Ray Jordan, Ross Kimbro, J.W. Simmons, Steve Tanner, and Cody Smith.

Lew Starling, City of Clinton Mayor stated, “the City of Clinton appreciates and values the excitement that Alive After Five series creates and how much it contributes to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of both Clinton and Sampson County.” 

“Those wishing to enhance their concert experience are invited to become an Alive After Five Sponsor. There are sponsor levels available offering a variety of benefits like invitations to sponsor receptions, parking passes, T-shirts, and more. Sponsorships are available at www.aliveafterfiveclintonnc.com through April 20^th,” stated Alive After Five Committee Member, JW Simmons.

The five-concert series is presented at the Clinton City Market, 215 Lisbon Stret, Clinton. Admission is free to the public, however, those twenty-one and older wishing to consume alcohol will need to purchase a wristband for $2. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sunscreen. No coolers, pets, or outside alcohol are allowed. For more information visit, www.alivefterfiveclintonnc.com.

About the Bands:

Kicking off the season on Thursday, May 23^rd, is what many call “a North Carolina institution.” The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, are just that, and they are considered “The Heart and Soul of Beach Music" having solidified their position as a thriving musical entity, and they have left their mark on listeners for decades. The Embers boast multiple albums and single releases that span decades and all the crazes. They continue to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship, and professionalism. Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers carry the moniker of “North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.” 

On Thursday, June 20th, the Carolina Dreamers will make their first appearance on the Alive After Five Stage. Formed seven years ago, but featuring a pedigree that stretches back to the 70s and 80s, the Carolina Dreamers have been delivering blistering performances to a growing audience of fans. Performing covers with a special twist and their own tracks that have reached #1 on the Beach Music charts, they are a band without parallel. Comprised of Steve Powell, Debra Ramirez Powell, Frank Monroe, Russell Edwards, and Jack Wright, this local band will offer concertgoers a variety of musical genres including Beach, Funk, Rock, Motown, Country, and Disco. Authentic and original, they are a band for every occasion with a diverse song list that is sure to get audiences up on their feet.

Taking the stage on August 22^nd, is one of the most successful bands touring in the Southeast today, the incredible Band of Oz. Better known as BOZ, this is a tight group of eight dynamic and talented performers featuring a full horn section. They perform over two-hundred concerts per year featuring some of the hottest beach music, however, this is one band that will blow you away with their diverse mix of musical genres, stretching from R&B to some of the hottest top-forty hits on today’s musical charts. This is one band that packs the dance floor and always leaves audience members screaming “please, just one more.”

On Thursday, September 26^th, a “back-by-popular demand” group of musicians that have become a multi-cultural icon, who bring five decades of bringing audiences to their feet will take the stage for a performance not to be missed. Liquid Pleasure is a band of friends-turned-brothers, who have an incredible passion for putting on a show for others who love a variety of good music, and who appreciate hearing it performed live, by a talented, energetic, and enthusiastic dance and party band. Musical fans that grew up with The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Liquid Pleasure are now in charge of corporate America. When they want to be reminded of better times, they come out to party with Liquid Pleasure. The band’s leader, “Big Kenny,” whose wisecracks and comedy, along with mesmerizing choreography, are synchronized with the band’s seamless blend of music from their impressive repertoire. Liquid Pleasure brings fun and excitement to people who want to have a wonderful time! If you are looking to be fully entertained, look no further than Liquid Pleasure.

 

Closing out the season on Thursday, October 24^th, is Jim Quick and Coastline, like their namesake the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, this hot band has been traveling the "tracks" of the southeast and connecting with the hearts of loyal "Coastline Crazies" for years while always leaving behind a new group of fans following every performance. Pulling from the threads of Soul, Blues, R&B, and Americana, Jim Quick and Coastline weave together their own genre of music known as Swamp Soul. Delivered with precision by front-man Jim Quick and his band, this group captures the true, honest spirit of traditions born and bred in the small southern towns of America. These five musicians, whose talents have landed them multiple awards in the industry, bring this Indigenous music to life in the most genuine way possible. A performance by Jim Quick and Coastline is certainly a way to experience the South at its finest.

- # -

2024 Concert Schedule

Alive After Five Concert Series

Concert Location: Clinton City Market, 215 Lisbon Street, Clinton, NC

FREE ADMISSION

 

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard

Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 6:00-8:45 pm

There are many bands touring today, yet few that are considered a musical institution. The Embers considered, “The Heart and Soul of Beach Music," have solidified their position as a thriving musical entity and have left their mark on listeners for decades. The Embers boast multiple albums and single releases that span the decades and exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship, and professionalism. Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and most recently the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.

 

Carolina Dreamers

Thursday, June 20, 2024 - 6:00-8:45 pm

Formed seven years ago with a pedigree that stretches back to the 70s and 80s, the Carolina Dreamers have been delivering blistering performances to a growing audience of fans. Performing covers with a special twist and their own tracks that have reached #1 on the Beach Music charts, they are a band without parallel. Comprised of Steve Powell, Debra Ramirez Powell, Frank Monroe, Russell Edwards, and Jack Wright, they play Beach, Funk, Rock, Motown, Country, and Disco. anything that gets you up on your feet and moving. Authentic and original, they are a band for every occasion with a diverse song that is sure to get the audience on up on their feet.

 

THE BAND OF OZ

Thursday, August 20, 2024 - 6:00-8:45 pm

Band of Oz consists of a dynamic eight-member group complete with a full horn section. Wherever they travel, they always energize audiences and keep the dance floor packed. In addition to performing a plethora of their # 1 hit songs, they offer the best in beach, R&B, and Motown, as well as a variety of today’s most popular dance and Top-40 hits.

 

LIQUID PLEASURE

Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 6:00-8:45 pm

After more than five decades of bringing audiences to their feet, Liquid Pleasure has become a multi-cultural icon. This band of friends-turned-brothers has been performing together for over 50 years and have a passion for putting on a show for others who love a variety of good music and appreciate hearing it performed live by a talented and enthusiastic dance band. The fans that grew up with The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Liquid Pleasure are now in charge of corporate America. When they want to be reminded of better times, they continue to party with Liquid Pleasure. Kenny’s wisecracks and comedy, along with mesmerizing choreography, are synchronized with the band’s seamless blend of music from their impressive repertoire. Liquid Pleasure brings fun and excitement to people who want to have a wonderful time! If you are looking to be fully entertained, look no further than Liquid Pleasure.

 

JIM QUICK & COASTLINE

Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 6:00-8:45 pm

Over 25 years in the making, Jim Quick and Coastline, like their namesake the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, have been traveling the "tracks" of the southeast, and connecting with the hearts of loyal "Coastline Crazies." Pulling from the threads of Soul, Blues, R&B, and Americana, Jim Quick and Coastline weave together their own genre of music known as Swamp Soul. Delivered with precision by lead singer Jim Quick and his band, this group captures the true, honest spirit of traditions born and bred in the small southern towns of America.