The Neck of the Woods variety performance series returns to the Wake Forest Renaissance Center Friday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Neck features emerging local artists including actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers and spoken-word artists and is presented and sponsored by Wake Forest Arts.
Friday’s Neck of the Woods will feature musicians Claire Williams and Robert Redfield; the Wake Forest Storytellers (Robin Kitson, Lenny Weismeier, and Drew Bridges); musicians Joe Woodson and Art Champagne; and the Happy Accidents Improvisation Troupe.
Claire Williams and Robert Redfield have been performing alternative rock in and around Wake Forest for over six years. The duo met at Give to Live Guitar Studios and have performed together, and as part of other groups, at several area festivals and events.
Wake Forest Storytellers is composed of members of the Northern Wake Senior Center group led by Drew and Lauren Bridges. The Storytellers, which meet twice each month at the Northern Wake Senior Center, celebrated its first anniversary in June. Robin Kitson is an experienced professional storyteller who has won several contests is a two-time honoree at the Liars Contest in Laurinburg, NC. Lenny Weismeier has told stories all his life, but he is new at telling them to the public. Drew Bridges is a retired psychiatrist who restored himself to his default identity of English major and storyteller.
Joe Woodson has been performing and writing music for over 40 years. His music has been played on radio stations all over the United States and abroad in countries such as France, New Zealand, Austria, and England. Joe has appeared in clubs and at events from Asheville to Nashville. His music (Americana, original, traditional, with fitting covers) is for the whole family. Art Champagne has also performed for years. Art is a gifted soul who has a wide range of experience, playing instruments that include guitar, Dobro, and bass. He has performed with Joe Woodson for several years at shows and festivals, and on the radio.
Rounding out the evening’s entertainment is Enloe Magnet High School’s prestigious improvisation troupe lead by Phoebe Dillard, an acting teacher and the troupe’s director. The Happy Accidents consist of students from all acting levels and grades ranging from sophomores through seniors. The troupe has performed at several downtown Raleigh events, including First Night Raleigh and SPARKcon, as well as at Enloe Theatre events. The troupe also travels to elementary and middle schools to teach improv workshops and perform. The group will appear at Enloe High School’s Acting Night on Nov. 16 and 17. Troupe members include Legend Grant, Josh Bruton, Hannah Hoskins, Matt Ellington, Spencer Rollins, Austin King, Olivia Olsen, Lesiana Randolph, Alex Williams, Joy Sheagbeh, Austin Richards, Lauren Eckard and Ben Pluska.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, including a variety of beer and wine. Tickets are $5 (plus tax) and may be purchased online at www.wakeforestnc.gov/tickets-events.aspx or at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 Brooks Street. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/neck-of-the-woods.aspx or call 919-435-9458.
