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.