Up & Coming Weekly

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2009 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Ticket Prices: $12 - $18 - $24 - $30 VIP - $40 Rinkside Limited number of VIP and Rinkside seats available. Call or go online for details. (Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply; no service charge at Arena Box Office.) For information call (337) 265-2100 Buy tickets at www.disneyonice.com, Retail Locations, The Cajundome Box Office or call 1-800-745-3000 Thu. NOV. 19 ( 7:00 PM Fri. Sat. Sun. OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $12!* NOV. 20 7:00 PM NOV. 21 11:00 AM 3:00 PM NOV. 22 1:00 PM 5:00 PM *(Excludes Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts.) NOV. 19 - 22 2&7 129 7KX2&7+30 2&7 2&7 129 30 7KH&URZQ&HQWHU%R[2IÀFH )RULQIRUPDWLRQFDOO 7LFNHW3ULFHV Back to the Beach: Karen Chandler Beach Music Festival by JANICE BURTON If you were in Fayetteville in the late '90s, you may have heard Karen Chandler perform. Chandler, a talented musician, could be found in area clubs singing on any given day. A mother of two, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and at the time, many of the area's local musicians came to her aid, hosting the fi rst Karen Chandler Benefi t in 1998. Following her death, her family and friends established the Karen Chandler Trust in order to help other cancer patients who were fi ghting not only to live, but also to survive fi nancially. Up until 2004, the trust held small fundraisers and golf tournaments, raising money each year to put back into the community to aid cancer patients. But in September 2004, they decided to raise funds in a big way, establishing the Karen Chandler Beach Music Festival. Now in its sixth year, the festival has continued to grow and draw beach music fans from all over the state. Most of them come for the music, but for organizers of the event, the heart of the festival is, and will remain, the people who are helped by the funds raised. "I didn't have the privilege of knowing Karen personally," said Paulette Reinhardt, the president of the trust's board, and one of the organizers of the event. "I know members of her family and her friends on the board, and know that their goal is to reach out and help those in need." Reinhardt, who has previous experience in fundraising, was asked to help organize the event in its early days. "We chose a beach music festival because there wasn't any other festival associated with beach music in our area," she explained. "Over the years, we have been amazed at the support and interest that has swelled up in the community. The public awareness has generated more referrals from the hospital for families in need. We're getting referrals from counselors at clinics and doctor's offi ces. They know if they give us a call we are going to help out." The help comes in the form of fi nancial aid to families who are affected by cancer. Reinhardt explained that the organization provides transition funds for individuals who have been diagnosed. In simple terms, it means that once a person has been diagnosed and begins treatment, they are going to need funds to pay the rent, buy groceries, buy gas, etc., until other aid kicks in. "The loss of income to a family is devastating," she said. "Not only are they dealing with the cancer and the treatments, they are also worrying about paying the bills. That's where we step in and provide those transitionary funds that keep them going." Since its inception, the organization has distributed more than $125,000 in the local community. On Sunday, Oct. 11, the board invites you to come out to Campbellton Landing to be a part of its great work, and to have a great time. The event, held in the Sol Rose Amphitheatre, will feature Tommy Black & Blooz, the Legends of Beach, Hip Pocket and Chris Hurst. Tommy Black and Blooz is a band with local connections. Black attended Cumberland County schools, and later taught in the system. His band was a recent recipient of a Cammy, or a Carolina Beach Music Award. The Legends of Beach features fi ve of the original members of the Embers, and is sure to please the crowd. The festival is making the move to Campbellton Landing this year to get back to the water. Reinhardt said the original festival was held by the pond at the Fayetteville Museum of Art. As it has changed locations, people keep talking about the need for water, so the move to the river seemed obvious. In addition to the music, the festival will also offer great food and full beverage service. The festival runs from 1-7 p.m., so come out for lunch and dinner. Tickets are $15 for adults aged 12 and older, children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Janice Burton, Associate Publisher. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 106 or editor@ upandcomingweekly.com.

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