SOS
Shake Baby Shake
The FORUM at Lees-McRae College “Entertaining Music Series” Celebrates Its 45th Season By Keith Martin
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capacity crowd files noisily into the Hayes Auditorium of the Broyhill Theatre at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. Friends greet friends, newcomers are introduced and welcomed, people leave their seats to say hello to summer residents they haven’t seen since last year, while others engage in excited conversations about the concert they are about to see onstage. They are quieted only when a delightfully entertaining host takes the stage to lead those assembled in an acapella rendition of “God Bless America” while the lyrics are projected on large screens to the right and left of the auditorium. Everyone stands, hats are removed, hands placed over hearts as if singing our national anthem (which isn’t sung until closer to the fourth of July). It feels more like being in church than a theatre, but audience members flock religiously to the venue each Monday afternoon and evening from mid-June through early August, just as they have for fourand-a-half decades. Such is The FORUM at Lees-McRae College, an “entertaining music series” that is celebrating its 45th Anniversary Season in 2024. There are two performances for each concert event, beginning at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance with me at the afternoon show were so appreciative, that
32 — Spring 2024 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE
more than one person rushed to the box office to see if any tickets were left for the next performance so they could see it yet again. Restaurants anywhere near Banner Elk are delighted to have three different rush periods with early diners, between the show customers, and mid-evening patrons who wait to eat until after the second show. Hint: be sure to make your reservations early. The FORUM was organized in 1979 by a small group of summer residents for the purpose of bringing a stimulating series of cultural programs to the area. With the help of Lees-McRae College, one of the region’s most important resources, FORUM has grown significantly over the decades and continues to provide both cultural enrichment and wholesome entertainment to the community. “We are proud of how FORUM has enhanced the cultural environment of the local area during its 45 years of existence,” said Lees-McRae President Dr. Lee King. “Lees-McRae College appreciates its special relationship with FORUM and its patrons.” One of the keys to the FORUM’s success is the dedicated involvement and cooperation between seasonal residents, locals, and Lees-McRae College. The FORUM Board of Directors is made up of
representatives from each of these groups. French Harvey, chair of the FORUM’s selection committee, said that as many as 75 different artists and groups are considered each year for the eight concerts that make up their two-month-long season. The formula for the selection of programs is unique. Events are selected as a result of personal contact with area residents and national talent agents with recommendations made to Harvey’s program selection committee and approved by the FORUM board of directors, led by Joe Samuel. This is the group that finalizes the concerts for each season, then contacts the artists or their representatives to check availability during their time frame and negotiate fees that stay within FORUM’s frugal budget. Expenses for FORUM programs are underwritten by contributors. In special cases, entire programs are underwritten by members of the community. The board plans each year’s offerings based on the previous year’s donations, while attempting to balance its choices by providing presentations by vocalists, Big Band/brass, chamber ensembles, pianists, dance, and drama. The 2024 season demonstrates the time, effort, and care that went into its selection. It begins on June 17 with a retrospective stage show about the golden age of rock ‘n’