Community Calendar

Ben Sparrow Brings Timeless Jazz Back Home to New Bern
New Bern, NC — April 22, 2025 — RiverTowne Players are thrilled to announce the return of acclaimed saxophonist Ben Sparrow for his annual summer jazz concert at the historic Masonic Theatre in downtown New Bern. This much-anticipated performance promises an evening of authentic and joyful music, blending the finest jazz traditions with vibrant Latin American rhythms, gospel, blues, and funk.
A native of North Carolina, Ben Sparrow is celebrated for his heartfelt connection with audiences and his collaborations with renowned artists across the country and beyond. For this special concert, Ben teams up with local jazz vocalist John Van Dyke and some of Eastern Carolina's most talented musicians for a musical experience you will remember.
Event Details:
Venue: Masonic Theatre, 514 Hancock Street, New Bern, NC
Date: June 21st, 2025
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: Available now at www.rivertowneplayers.org
RiverTowne Players are proud to host this exceptional event, showcasing the timeless essence of live jazz and celebrating Ben Sparrow’s enduring connection to his roots. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering the genre for the first time, this concert is an unforgettable opportunity to experience world-class talent right here in New Bern.
RiverTowne Players, is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are committed to enhancing the cultural experience of Eastern North Carolina through the production of exceptional theatre performance and education. Our mission is to provide a platform that empowers local artists to discover and expand their creativity and share their skills with the community.
The Masonic Theatre opened in 1805, it was once the cultural heart of New Bern, hosting stage plays, talent benefits, concerts, and vaudeville acts. During the Civil War, it served as a Confederate arsenal and later as a hospital for Union soldiers. In 1917, it was converted into a motion picture theater, operating continuously until 1974, making it the nation's oldest continually operating theatre.

North Carolina born and raised Americana folk duo Chatham Rabbits will perform right here at New Bern Civic Theatre on Friday, June 27 at 7:30pm. Partners in life and in music, Sarah and Austin will play old favorites and new tunes from their album released earlier this year called “Be Real With Me.” Plus, opening for Chatham Rabbits: The Bonafides, from right here in New Bern!

Summer Shindig in the Park is the Town of Newport's newest event! We're going to kick off summer on Saturday, June 28th with family fun, community spirit, and exciting activities. Enjoy live music by the I-42 Band, a beer garden by Shortway Brewing Co., food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s entertainment at Newport Community Park beginning at 4pm.

Interested vendors should complete the vendor application available at www.newportnc.gov or email letsplay@newportnc.gov.

With his music videos having Internet views exceeding 200 million and solo concert bookings in every corner of the globe, Luca Stricagnoli is considered to be one of the most unique guitarists in the world. Luca’s creative style, which led him to invent instruments like the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, vastly contributed to the modern evolution of acoustic guitar.

He has been hailed as a phenomenon and a prodigy by influential magazines and newspapers internationally including NME, Guitar World, Der Spiegel, La Repubblica, Daily Sabah, Frankfurter Allgemeine and more.

New Bern Civic Theatre is honored and proud to welcome Luca back for his second concert appearance with NBCT, this time center stage on the historic Athens Theatre.

The Ol' Front Porch Music Festival is Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Jazz… all in the walkable village of Oriental, North Carolina. Add in arts, crafts, food & more. It's a weekend that will make you smile. Oct 3 & 4, 2025. And thanks to our supporters, this amazing weekend of music is absolutely free to attend.

The festival runs for two full days, Friday Oct 3, 2024 from 1pm-6:30pm and Saturday Oct 4, 2024 11:00am-6:30pm.

The Ol' Front Porch Music Festival is Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Jazz… all in the walkable village of Oriental, North Carolina. Add in arts, crafts, food & more. It's a weekend that will make you smile. Oct 3 & 4, 2025. And thanks to our supporters, this amazing weekend of music is absolutely free to attend.

The festival runs for two full days, Friday Oct 3, 2024 from 1pm-6:30pm and Saturday Oct 4, 2024 11:00am-6:30pm.

This all-new holiday spectacular features the mind-bending magic of Bryan Sanders paired with singing duo Lewis n Clark for an unforgettable experience live on The Athens stage filled with laughter, wonder, and festive cheer. A family-friendly Encore Series event!

December 20th - Two Performances: 3:00PM & 7:30PM