GALLERY: Josh Turner Wows in First-Ever Fayetteville Concert
Despite a career that has taken him all over the world, Josh Turner somehow had never managed to visit Fayetteville. He’s done shows in Robeson County, and at Fort Liberty,…
Josh Turner made his first-ever appearance in Fayetteville a memorable one.
Cate Russ for WKMLDespite a career that has taken him all over the world, Josh Turner somehow had never managed to visit Fayetteville. He's done shows in Robeson County, and at Fort Liberty, but never actually here in Fayetteville.
Saturday night, Turner righted that wrong, as he celebrated the 20th anniversary of "Long Black Train" at the Crown Theatre in Fayetteville.
Turner sang his biggest hits including "Your Man," "Would You Go With Me," and "Firecracker." Fans swayed and twirled in the aisles during "Why Don't We Just Dance." Some of Turner's bandmates decided they weren't going to miss out on the fun and gave their best shot at a short-lived kickline.
The "Deep South" singer switched between high-energy hits like "Time is Love" to well-known worship songs, "Me and God" and "I Saw the Light."
Turner saved the best for last and closed his show with "Long Black Train." The crowd sang along loudly, nearly drowning out Turner's smooth, deep voice. Turner stepped away from the mic and took in the sight before him, seeming equally appreciative and impressed.
A special guest took the stage prior to Turner, one who is personally close to the Grand Ole Opry singer. Missouri native, Jared Harder, got the night started by playing a mix of originals and covers. Harder works on the road for Josh Turner, usually behind the scenes. He enjoyed being on stage and sharing his work with Fayetteville's country music fans.
Turner reminded fans to consider buying from his merchandise table outside of the show which included t-shirts, bags, and vinyl records. One item, a black shirt with an ACU camo American flag on the back, helps raise money to supply military members with their own Bibles.
He also founded the "Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts" in 2008. This scholarship was created to give music students a better chance at having more opportunities, especially those from small rural areas, like him. More information about this scholarship and ways to donate can be found here.
Editor's note: Guest writer Cate Russ contributed to this story.
Your Guide for 2023 Holiday Events Around Fayetteville
It's time to get holly and/or jolly out here! The holiday events season is upon us in the city of Fayetteville. And if you're looking for wonderful ways for to get into the holiday spirit, check out this list of all the best, most Christmas-y local events!
Fayetteville is certainly well-acquainted with fun and unique holiday celebrations. The 24th annual "A Dickens Holiday" just took place late last week to get the ball rolling, and of course the Holiday Lights in the Garden is set to kick off later this week.
These are just a couple of the ways the community is decking the halls. There are countless other local events taking place over the next few weeks, every one of them in the name of spreading Christmas cheer to all.
So let's take a look at all the festive fun you and your crew can have in and around Fayetteville on the way to Christmas. Ho-ho-here we go!
Town of Spring Lake's Christmas Tree Lighting
Witness the enchantment unfold as our majestic tree illuminates the night sky, filling our town with warmth and joy. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
Click here for details.
Christmas In The Park
Christmas in the Park is a free drive-thru light show featuring a beautiful combination of holiday-themed displays, a festival of lights and a natural woodland spanning 100 acres adjacent to the Cape Fear River.
Click here for details.
Wreaths Across America
REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
Click here for details.
Sacred Heart's Holiday Bazaar
Sacred Heart Catholic Church will host its first Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, with 15 vendors, a bake sale and present wrapping station.
Click here for details.
The Sip Room's Christmas Toy Drive
December 2, 2023 from 12pm-3pm bring a toy to fill up a truck while sipping on complimentary mimosas and tapas. Santa Claus will also be there for pictures!
Click here for details.
Dirtbag Ales Christmas Market
Join Dirtbag Ales in Hope Mills to kick off the holiday season with your choice of food trucks, homemade treats, fresh Gluhwein and craft beer.
Click here for details.
82nd Airborne Division's All American Holiday Festival
Fort Liberty's own 82nd Airborne Division will host an afternoon of holiday cheer for the whole family!
Click here for details.
A Very Barbershop Christmas
Local vendors, photos with Santa, free haircut for kids, and so much more! Admission is free for this wonderful holiday event.
Click here for details.
Breakfast With Santa
Spring Lake Recreation is hosting Breakfast with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Spring Lake Multipurpose Community Center.
Click here for details.
Fayetteville NC Rotary Christmas Parade 2023
The annual Fayetteville Christmas Parade hits Hay Street December 9 starting at 10 o'clock!
Click here for details.
Holiday Lights In The Garden 2023
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Holiday Lights!” Holiday Lights in the Garden is Fayetteville’s ORIGINAL Holiday Lights event.
Click here for details.
Journey To The Manger at Haymount UMC
Haymount UMC Children and Families Ministries invites you to experience the Nativity story on this first day of Advent with fellowship, fun and family.
Click here for details.
12th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog
The in-person 5K/10K race will be held at DirtBag Ales @ 5435 Corporation Drive Hopemills, NC 28348.
Click here for details.
A Vintage Rockfish Christmas
Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus and his workshop come to Rockfish Market in Raeford!
Click here for details.
Christmas at the Boondocks Adventure Farm
Create a memory this Christmas that is sure to last a lifetime at Boondocks Adventure Farm! Now with Santa’s Boondock Magical Elevator!
Click here for details.
Christmas At The Lake in Hope Mills
The Town Christmas Tree will be lit between 5:45pm - 6:00 pm so bring your chairs, blankets, and cozy up while listening to Christmas music. Enjoy dinner, hot chocolate, and desserts.
Click here for details.
