Spotlight 2021

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SOUTH CAROLINA 4650 Highway 17 South North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

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Magazine Staff Publishing Editor Janis Gilmore

Exec. Editor Art Director Jordan Watkins

Spotlight Coordinator Tabitha McMahon

Finance Director David Olive

Advertising Sales Katie Shuler (843) 913-1400

Sports Entertainment www.tickets.com

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THIS THEATER.

WARNING: The audio or video recording

of any performance without the written permission of the management is prohibited.

©Copyright 2021. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Spotlight is published by Gilmore Entertainment Group, LLC.

The Carolina Opry Theater P. O. Box 7576 Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (843) 913 - 4000 (800) 843 - 6779 www.TheCarolinaOpry.com 6

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Artist Spotlight- Carolina Opry Theater Executive Producer and Director

Calvin Gilmore Producer/Director

Jeffrey Gilmore Wendy Sweetman

Musical Direction Kevin Hughes ‑ Band Gary Brown ­‑ Vocals

Costuming/Choreography

Sound Design

Margaret Rice Scott

Mike Cook

Production Manager Video Design/Costuming

Stage Manager

Eric Sendrey

Cast

Brad Long

Vocals

Vocals, Guitar

Gary Baker

Eric Gumm

Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Chasity Croft Sorrells

Calvin Gilmore

Emcee, Vocals, Guitar

Lighting Design

Paul Sweetman

Christie Templeton Vocals

Comedy, Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals, Electric Bass

Gary Brown

Kevin White

Keyboards, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone

Kevin Hughes

Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Steel Guitar, Dobro

Bass Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Bass, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano

Delvin Choice Vocals, Piano

Andy King

Hammered Dulcimer, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Comedy, Vocals, Xylophone

Kym Shurbutt

Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Electric Guitar

Tangena Church

Keyboard, Piano, Trumpet, Vocals

Brian Daggett

Comedy, Guitar, Vocals

Vocals

Trent Wideman

Rory John Zak

Percussion, Drums

All That!

Michael Curtis Brad Berry

Dancers

®

Mark Clifford Ethan Stewart

Baylee Domer

Mollie Daniel

Elizabeth Hite

Alexa Peragine

Chairman/CEO

Calvin Gilmore Vice President

Jeffrey Gilmore 8

President

David Olive

Vice President, Director of Marketing

Jordan Watkins

Theater General Manager

Richard Scott

Carolina Opry Theater Trivia The cast and crew of The Carolina Opry Theater is composed of some of the most talented people in the country with some pretty impressive backgrounds...

Can you guess the cast member?

1. Who blew away all four judges and soared to the finals on NBC's hit show, The Voice?

2. Who was just 17 when they became one of the youngest full-time artists to join the cast of The Carolina Opry Theater?

3. Who has appeared several times on The Grand Ole Opry in recent years?

4. Who grew up on a third-generation farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse?

5. Who is a Missouri state fiddling champion?

6. Who can claim two-time finalists and Judges' Favorite on NBC's America's Got Talent?

7. Who was a feature vocalist for Grammy award-winning Lee Greenwood?

8. Who also boasts the talent of being an award-winning mime?

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Carolina Opry Theater Trivia ...continued from page 10

and the answer is...drumroll please....

1. Delvin Choice turned all 4 judges' chairs and won the hearts of America!

2. Our own dreamy-eyed Rory John Zak, of course!

3. Calvin Gilmore began appearing regularly on The Grand Ole Opry in 2003.

4. Calvin Gilmore grew up in the farmhouse that his grandfather had lived in; he attended a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade.

5. Trent Wideman (...also sometimes known as Aunt Dessie!)

6. It's All That! Clogging Group of course, the only group that has been called back to the show so many times!

7. Christie Templeton; she has also shared the stage with Billy Ray Cyrus, John Michael Montgomery and the Oak Ridge Boys.

8. Chas Croft Sorrells - believe it or not! She even had the opportunity to show off her skills in our performance of "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

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Looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach? We’ve scoped out the best in Myrtle Beach attractions and restaurants so you don’t have to!

Take a look at our list of top things to do in Myrtle Beach.

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The Carolina Opry Theater - Okay, if you are looking for an incredible time and something you can't do anywhere else – this is it! The Carolina Opry is the original show in Myrtle Beach and still the best in Myrtle Beach. Many have imitated but none have been able to equal the quality and talent of The Carolina Opry and Time Warp. The award-winning shows blend two hours of high-energy music, comedy and dance in a beautiful 2,000 seat theater complete with high-tech lighting and sound. But don't just take our word for it! The shows are highly acclaimed by The New York Times, USA Today, NBC Nightly News, and CNN, and named “Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach” by CNBC. In addition, it is an incredible value compared to live entertainment of this quality in Vegas or New York.

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Duplin Winery - Looking for a perfect way to unwind after a long day?

Uncork the sweeter side of Myrtle Beach at Duplin Winery, makers of America’s favorite Muscadine wine. Their newest location in North Myrtle Beach is stunning! Kick back with a glass of something cool, or gather some friends for a wine tasting. The staff is ready to educate and entertain you on the winemaking method while you enjoy a delicious tasting. Plus, you can watch the bottling process, relax in the courtyard, and shop in their gorgeous retail store offering wine, fudge, gourmet dips and dressings, wine accessories and some very unique gifts and housewares. It's worth a stop for the gift shop alone!

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Hook & Barrel Restaurant - Just a block south from here, you’ll find Myrtle Beach’s freshest new restaurant, Hook & Barrel.

With plenty of outdoor seating, and ‘eatertainment’ on the inside, this restaurant is something you won’t want to miss! The menu is packed with delectable dishes, including a market of fresh, sustainable seafood prepared just how you like it. You won’t want to miss their famous Shrimp Scampi, made for you right on the bar top. And don’t forget to check out Croissants Bistro & Bakery, right next door, for freshly roasted coffee and the best brunch in town!

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Brookgreen Gardens - Beautiful live oaks, renowned sculpture, rich history – and a zoo for the kids!

From its beginning in 1931, this non-profit outdoor museum with its majestic oaks and world-renowned sculpture has been a place to renew your spirit. Relive history as you walk the Lowcountry Trail and tour the only accredited zoo on the Carolina coast, where you will see native animals in their natural habitats. Beautiful gardens, rich historical sites and gracious southern hospitality tempt you to return again and again. Bonus – daytime admission here is good for 7 consecutive days!

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Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet - A landmark on the Grand Strand, The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet serves fresh local seafood daily. Their award-winning, world-famous buffet introduced Calabash style lightly battered and deepfried seafood to the Myrtle Beach area.

They also boast a delicious salad bar, a pasta station, dessert bar and just about any other food you can think of! Not only is their food great, but the restaurant itself is a seafaring adventure with a nautical theme and handcrafted model ships throughout a playroom with a loaded kid-sized play kitchen, a boat with fishing rods, mops for swabbing the deck, and arcade games.

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Flamingo Grill - It's no surprise Flamingo Grill is voted "Best All Around Restaurant" year after year!

With fried lobster bites, lobster tail and filet, shrimp and grits, seared tuna peppercorn, flounder, salmon, a number of pasta dishes and so much more - there is something for everyone and everything is delicious! You'll love the upscale art deco decor as well. If you are looking for a local spot with nationally renowned cuisine, this is it!

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SEE BOX OFFICE FOR PACKAGE SAVINGS! ★★★

★★★

The New York Times

843.913.4000 | www .TimeWarpShow. com 17

Angelo's Steak and Pasta - On the South end of the beach you'll find Angelo's Steak and Pasta, a local Italian restaurant known for "the greatest steaks in the universe." That may sound like an exaggeration, but the steaks really are incredible!

They are hand cut on premises, perfectly aged and served on a sizzling plate. (I order mine rare and cook each bite to my liking on the sizzling plate!) If you are looking for a little more variety, they also have an "all-you-can-eat" Italian buffet. Of course, they also have their full Italian menu, appetizers, full bar and some great early bird deals. All of their entrees, including the buffet, are authentic family recipes with their own personal touch.

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Carolina Seafood & Steak - A family-friendly restaurant located near the famed Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Seafood & Steak boasts a variety of Southern flavors.

From prime cuts of meat to seafood to burgers to Italian dishes, this restaurant has a little bit of everything.

Carolina Seafood & Steak also features a wide kids menu, delicious desserts and great rates at happy hour!

Fiesta Mexicana - These guys are the experts on Mexican cuisine on this side of the border! Quality is something Fiesta Mexicana takes very seriously; everything is made to order from only the freshest ingredients. The menu, designed by renowned chef Gabriel Hernandez, is a blend of traditional recipes and delicious new creations. There is something for everyone from sizzling fajitas to cool cocktails! A family-owned restuarant, you can count on quality service and attention to detail in a clean and comfortable atmosphere.

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The Chesapeake House - If you really want some local flavor, you have to try The Chesapeake House.

Family owned and operated since 1971, it's a Myrtle Beach landmark and a long-standing family tradition.

From their scenic waterway views to their fresh local seafood, USDA steaks, delicious homemade salad dressings, award-winning fish stew and world famous cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily, you'll have an evening to remember!

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For more dining, lodging and vacation package savings, visit:

TheCarolinaOpryTheater.com 18

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Calvin Gilmore A profile of the director, producer and founder of Gilmore Entertainment

“...he participated in

Norman Rockwell

a vanishing

lifestyle...”

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alvin Gilmore grew up in the Ozarks C of southern Missouri. The son of a farmer, on a third-generation farm, he

participated in a vanishing Norman Rockwell lifestyle which centered on the one-room community schoolhouse, the country church that his family had helped to found, and the community of farmers that banded together on threshing days.

By the time he was twenty, he had taken his guitar to Kansas City, where he worked in the Hallmark mailroom by day and sang in restaurants and bars in the evenings. When a Nashville label encouraged him to execute a quality demo tape, Calvin needed some capital.

He decided to try his hand at real estate, moving to the Lake of the Ozarks, a resort area not too far from where he grew up. His life took an unexpected detour when he met with almost immediate success: within a year he was able to buy the real estate company for which he worked. Just a week after closing the deal, Calvin married Janis Walker. A few years (and two children) down the road, Calvin realized that he wasn’t doing what he had always meant to do. A devoted family man, he wouldn’t consider a life on the road. He came up with the idea of creating a musical variety show so that he could perform and remain in one place: home. It took him three years, but by 1986 he had selected Myrtle Beach as a likely market, found a theater (he would renovate a defunct nightclub), and worked out the financing (he would risk everything); he and Janis moved with their young children to Surfside Beach in March 1986.

The success of The Carolina Opry is the stuff of legend. Over the years, Calvin Gilmore and his casts have entertained millions of Myrtle Beach visitors. In 2015, the show celebrated its 30th anniversary, a milestone by any standard. His exceptionally high standards for talent and production quality have been recognized by the industry

and the public. The Carolina Opry is the only show to have won the coveted Governor’s Cup (South Carolina’s highest tourism award), the only show to have been voted the state’s Most Outstanding Attraction, and the only show to be voted #1 every year. Gilmore has spawned the growth of a new entertainment industry on the Grand Strand of South Carolina, and under his leadership The Carolina Opry has blossomed into an institution. It has garnered coverage from NBC Nightly News, USA Today, CNN, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, and a host of others.

Thirty years later, Calvin is still on the forefront of the ever-changing entertainment industry. In 2003 he began appearing on the stage of the world famous Grand Ole Opry, where he never misses an opportunity to invite their loyal nationwide radio audience to visit Myrtle Beach. In 2005, he introduced Good Vibrations and, more recently, t he newest production in that series, Time Warp, featuring the iconic sights and sounds of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. In 2014 Gilmore debuted Thunder and Light, a live dance, laser and magic show starring the renowned All That! Clogging Group.

In 2015 Gilmore introduced the Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series bringing celebrity guest artists encompassing a number of genres, including music, comedy and authors. In 2017, Gilmore expanded the magic portion of Thunder and Light into a full feature show starring The Wagsters, Pure Magic.

As we celebrated the landmark of our 35th anniversary, Calvin reflected on the events of those years: the pursuit of excellence, the creativity, the struggles, and the successes. “I have had the great blessing of being able to do what I love and make a living at it. My heartfelt thanks to all of those who have enjoyed the show down through the years and sent their customers and guests. May we all enjoy many more together.”

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Meet The Cast Brad Long

Emcee, Vocals, Guitar Brad began his journey on his musical path at a very early age, playing both drums and guitar at the many live music venues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

He quickly became a crowd favorite for his powerhouse rock-edged vocals. Brad's clear, powerful, yet controlled tenor voice and rocktinged country style shout “Nashville star.”

He has a strong work ethic and a desire to continually improve.

Brad has shared the stage with such luminaries as Dwight Yoakam, Jason Aldean, Craig Morgan, Little Big Town, and Justin Moore. He has polished his stage performances to a high gloss and continues to strive to improve. In short, he’s doing all of the things a budding country star needs to do to gain lasting success.

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Rory John Zak

Vocals, Piano, Acoustic & Electric Guitar Country artist Rory John Zak demonstrated a gift for piano from a young age, sparking a lifelong love of music.

Classically trained in piano, his teachers soon discovered he also possessed the rare ability of perfect pitch. Rory continued to develop into a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and, by the age of 16, had already won numerous awards and talent shows in his home state of North Carolina.

From the age of 15, Rory managed to balance a packed weekly performance and event schedule with a rigorous high school agenda and graduate early with a 4.0+ GPA. By the age of 17, his popularity and strong work ethic helped land him his position at The Carolina Opry, becoming the youngest full-time cast member in their 35-year history. Rory feels blessed and honored to be sharing the stage with the best musicians and performers in the industry.

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Artist Spotlight Eric Gumm

Comedy, Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals, Electric Bass

Eric grew up in the small towns of Weaubleau and Warsaw, Missouri, where his parents (both school teachers) instilled in him a love of music and sports. When Eric was seven, his father taught him to play the guitar, and he grew up playing and singing in church with his father and his sister.

Eric enjoys playing basketball, softball, and golf, watching the Kansas City Chiefs on Sundays, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his grandson Hunter.

Eric reads the Bible daily and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was nine years old. He is married to the love of his life, Rita, an original cast member of The Carolina Opry, and whom he met onstage there in March of 1989.

Eric joined Calvin Gilmore Productions in 1989 as an original cast member of The Dixie Jubilee in North Myrtle Beach. Eric loves to make people laugh and says that being in The Carolina Opry cast “is like having a second family.”

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Christie Templeton

Vocals Christie Templeton is from Lake Wylie, SC. By the age of 10, Christie had several musicals, talent shows, and TV appearances under her belt, including the lead role in the production of Annie.

Known as the "little one with the big voice," Christie's versatility is unmatched.

She was a featured vocalist for Grammy Award winning Lee Greenwood and has shared the stage with Billy Ray Cyrus, John Michael Montgomery, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Her greatest accomplishment is the day her family "accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, for without Him nothing is possible." Christie shares her home with original cast member and true love Steve Templeton and their children, Lauren and Cole. She gives credit to God, her loving husband, family and fans.

"The gift of music is a special thing to have, and I will continue to use it for His glory and honor as long as I am able to."

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Artist Spotlight Gary Brown

Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Steel Guitar, Dobro, Musical Director Gary, who was born in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, attributes his choice of music as a career to his parents’ love of music, particularly bluegrass.

He began traveling at age fifteen with the band Boot Hill from WinstonSalem. After high school Gary moved to Knoxville, where he attended the University of Tennessee and met his wife Martha. They married in 1980 and worked in bands together, traveling throughout the next decade.

In 1989 Gary and Martha became original members of Calvin Gilmore’s Dixie Jubilee in North Myrtle Beach. In his spare time Gary is an avid tennis player.

Kevin Hughes

Bass Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Bass, Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Musical Director Originally from Petersburg, Virginia, Kevin has been playing music since the age of five and is accomplished on the piano, drums, trumpet, and trombone. When he is not playing 26

bass at The Carolina Opry or writing and recording tunes, Kevin, who has a degree in computer programming, is busy as a network developer. He lives in Myrtle Beach with his wife Marsha and their two children.

Tangena Church Vocals

A native of North Carolina, Tangena brings a variety of performance experiences to the stage of The Carolina Opry Theater. She began her singing career at four years of age at church; after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tangena traveled extensively abroad as a featured entertainer on various cruise lines and in the U.S. on the Broadway National Tour of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Other theater credits include Man of La Mancha, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Cabaret. Tangena and her husband Pete are the proud parents of beautiful Sadie Katherine Mishler and Deacon Mishler.

PEPSI, the Pepsi Globe and BORN IN THE CAROLINAS, are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. JAW170175

Artist Spotlight Trent Wideman

Hammered Dulcimer, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Comedy, Vocals, Xylophone Trent grew up at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. A Missouri state fiddling champion in 1994, Trent appeared in the Main Street Music Hall, Lake of the Ozarks, where he later formed his own show, Country Lights USA. In 2002 Trent performed on Fox Television’s 30 Seconds to Fame.

He then moved to Branson, Missouri, where he was the featured comedian and musician for the critically acclaimed Country Tonite s h o w. Tr e n t gives thanks to the Lord for the talent he’s been blessed with and feels lucky to be able to share it with people everyday.

Chasity Croft Sorrells

Vocals From a 3-year-old standing on a chair to sing before her father’s sermons, to traveling with her mother singing Southern Gospel music, singing is all this South Carolina girl has ever known.

Honors received in show choirs, chamber ensembles and Broadway reviews lead to a scholarship to 28

Lee University, where she had the opportunity to sing internationally in places such as Sydney, Venice, Rome, and even at the Vatican. After college, Chas headlined as Tina Turner in Chattanooga, was later recognized as a featured soloist on Dove Awardnominated project “Lifestyle,” recorded with Second Edition and the world-renowned Lee Singers, and has been featured on Grammynominated projects. She was named Tennessee’s NACMAI Entertainer of the Year in addition to other awards and titles.

Chas is recently married to the extremely talented Craig Sorrells and together they have 4 beautiful children, Selah Mercy, Zion Israel, Skyler and Callie.

Kym Shurbutt

Comedy, Guitar, Vocals Kym Shurbutt, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been entertaining for more than thirty-five years—over thirty of those years spent here at The Carolina Opry, where he was an original cast member and is best known for the character “Bogie.” Also a vocalist and musician, Kym has performed at the legendary Bitter End in New York.

When not performing, Kym has volunteered for such causes as Promise Land Crisis Center and Hurricane Katrina relief. He also helped form a men’s devotional group, which he attends weekly. Kym’s favorite quote is “People will forget what you say, and people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you make them feel.”

Artist Spotlight Delvin Choice

Vocals, Piano It may have been in Hollywood that Delvin won over America and blew away all four judges as he soared to the finals on NBC’s The Voice, but that talent was home grown right here in South Carolina! In fact, Choice was recognized by the state with two resolutions in appreciation of musical accomplishments and contributions.

A singer from birth, Delvin is an Alumni of Greenville Fine Arts Center, where he studied classical music for four years, and a graduate of Wade Hampton High School. Delvin’s diverse background includes numerous awards and theatrical roles including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, Motown Magic, Little Shop of Horrors, Smoky Joe’s Café, Ragtime the Musical, Seussical The Musical, Pippin and more.

In recent years, Delvin has been honored to perform the National Anthem for the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers. Recently completing a tour with multi-grammy nominated artist Musiq Soulchild, Delvin is ready to set some new roots in Myrtle Beach.

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Artist Spotlight Gary Baker

Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar A native of Charleston, SC, Gary comes from a long line of musicians. He is a graduate of Winthrop University, with a B.A. in Music.

Gary has played The Grand Ole Opry forty times, appeared in several music videos, and has shared the stage with some of t o d a y ’s m o s t popular country artists such as Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilson, and Sara Evans.

In addition to playing guitar, Gary also writes and records music. He has been blessed with a son, Lindsay, who also plays music.

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Brian Daggett

Percussion, Drums Inspired by his musical parents, this Arlington, VA native has been playing drums since the age of 5. Brian performed with the Arlington and McLean Symphonies in Virginia at just 13 years old and later graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music with honors. Brian has toured around the world for over 15 years, including a European Tour with Grammy Nominated Reggae Band SOJA and US tours supporting acts such as Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Toots and the Maytals, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Grammy award winning Reggae Band Black Uhuru.

Brian’s most recent tour included performing with singer/song writer Mike Pinto in over 40 states. He has released 5 full length albums with Atlanta Based rock band Groove Stain, and has worked with Grammy Award winning producers Shondrae Crawford and Rico Wade of Outkast, Ludacris and Usher. Brian is very privileged to be an endorsee and part of the Sabian Cymbal family. He says that being able to play his drums, work with this fabulous cast and crew every day, and having the time to spend with his wife, Ashley, and son, Landen, is the greatest part about his job.

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Artist Spotlight Andy King

Keyboard, Piano, Trumpet, Vocals Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, Andy began playing and singing in church at age 5, developing a passion for gospel music. Andy continued his musical journey with a BA in Music at UNC-Wilmington.

After college, he toured extensively throughout the US and abroad, working in various genres of music including gospel, beach, soul, country, rock and jazz.

Andy counts it a blessing to have worked as pianist for JD Sumner and The Stamps, and more recently, for The Hoppers. Andy also had the privilege of being lead singer for the legendary beach band, The Catalinas, and sharing the stage with legends including Percy Sledge, The Four Tops, The Drifters, Archie Bell, Jerry Butler, and Delbert McClinton. Andy's diverse performance experiences enable him to relate to a variety of cultural and performance styles with an open minded, collaborative approach. When Andy is not working, he spends time in his recording studio writing, arranging and producing. Andy could not imagine a day without music in his life, it is his passion. He is humbled and grateful to be a part of The Carolina Opry family.

Deliciously fun

Perfect ending after the show!

Dig into a tasty meal or delicious ice cream sundae...it’s oh so yummy!

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Artist Spotlight Paul Sweetman

Lighting Design From the moment Paul saw the Broadway show Camelot, he knew his destiny was to be in the field of lighting.

He attributes much of his education to his mentor, Alex Von Saher, who taught him the true art of lighting and gave him the freedom to create on such international shows as Tri Amici and Entré Me. Paul’s career spans over 25 years and every entertainment genre, from live TV to musical theater. He has been involved with such artists as Donny Osmond, Belinda Carlisle, the Oak Ridge Boys, Phil Driscoll, UB 40, Def Leppard, U2, and Genesis. Paul enjoys spending time with his best friend and creative partner: wife Diane “Wendy” Sweetman.

Wendy Sweetman

Production Mgr, Video Design, Costuming Wendy developed her love for production from her gospel singer and songwriter mother and her engineer father.

She gained her first professional experience in live TV at the age of 15, interning at a prominent cable network.

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Wendy’s career has included many aspects of production, from corporate communications and multi-media to live event production and management.

She has worked productions for such notable artists as Tony Bennett, Toni Tennille, Danny Gans, Louis Anderson, Joel Grey, Linda Ronstadt with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and the St. Louis Symphony with Yo Yo Ma. Wendy loves spending time with her best friend and creative partner, husband Paul Sweetman.

Kevin White

Keyboards, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone Kevin White grew up in a small town near the gulf coast in southwest Alabama. He began playing the piano at the age of five. Kevin attended Northeast Mississippi Community College where he majored in music theory. His professional career began as a cast member on The Denny Hilton Show, at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

He has performed in other variety shows such as Calvin Gilmore's Dixie Jubilee and Tribute The Concert, and at Bobby Helm's Celebrity Theater. Kevin has toured with country artists such as Mickey Gilley, David Allan Coe, Shelby Lynn, Randy Travis, and Craig Morgan. He has also had success as a songwriter with such artists as Billy Ray Cyrus and Atlantic Starr. He attributes all of his talents and success to God as being the source and provider. Kevin currently resides in Myrtle Beach with his wife Andrea and daughter Savannah.

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Artist Spotlight Jeffrey Gilmore

Producer/Director Jeff comes by his production abilities naturally, having grown up in the business. He was eight years old when his family moved from Missouri to South Carolina to start The Carolina Opry. In those early days he pitched in by carrying ice to concessions stands and props to cast members.

After completing his college degree in Chicago, Illinois, he moved back to Myrtle Beach and joined the family business. He is executive vice president and acts as producer and director under his father as well as taking a seat on the company’s advisory board. He also coaches The Carolina Opry softball team, which participates in the Midnight League in Myrtle Beach, competing with other theaters and attractions.

Jeff and his wife, Carrie, enjoy spending time with their two children and traveling together as a family.

Margaret Rice Scott

Costuming, Choreography Margaret, a native of Latta, South Carolina, attended the Emmalyn Davis School of Dance in Marion, South Carolina, from age three until her high school graduation. She then ventured to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she studied musical theatre at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. After 6 years Margaret returned to her roots 36

in the Carolinas and visited Myrtle Beach, where she auditioned for Calvin Gilmore.

Margaret joined The Carolina Opry cast in 1990, adding a new dimension to the show — dance. Margaret enjoys spending time with her husband Rich and their daughter Stone.

Michael Cook

Sound Design A native of Lexington, NC, Mike's first job in the Audio Field was for SE Systems as an audio technician and sales manager. During the '80s and '90s he provided sound services for national acts such as The Beach Boys, The Doob i e Brothers, and Petra. During that time he was hired as audio technician by The Gatlin Brothers and spent the next 15 years as their engineer.

He moved to Myrtle Beach, and in 1999 he started his own production company - MC Sound, Light, and Video. He appreciates working with the state-of-the-art electronics at The Carolina Opry Theater as well as some of the most talented musicians and entertainers in the nation.

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®

Artist Spotlight: All That! Clogging Group Mike Curtis: One of the most recognizable names in the clogging world, Mike Curtis began appearing in individual clogging competitions over 20 years ago and has won hundreds of titles including two Duet National Championships.

After years in the competition circuit, Curtis knew it was time for something more, and he formed the group All That! with three of his best friends and former competitors. All That! soon stepped out of the clogging world and into mainstream success.

Mark Clifford: Mark started his dancing career at the age of 5. In 1996 he accepted a dance scholarship to Mars Hill College, where he studied and received a BA in Corporate Communication. As a national instructor Mark has traveled across the United States teaching master classes and choreography for many clogging teams. Mark has performed in Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and now Hong Kong. Mark has been a member of All That! since the group's inception.

Ethan Stewart: Ethan Stewart has been clogging since the age of 6. After dancing throughout the country on a competitive team for 14 years, he joined the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and is now happy to make his home with All That! Clogging Group at The Carolina Opry Theater.

Brad Berry: Brad grew up in Prospect, Ohio, and started competitive clogging at the age of 12. Brad has toured around the world with Atlanta-based Irish step dancing group Dancing On Common Ground and Berlin based troupe, Magic of the Dance. Between those tours Berry also spent two summers in Branson, Missouri, at Silver Dollar City dancing in their original productions. Brad joined the clogging group All That! in May of 2006.

Among their renowned performances: Fox’s 30 Seconds to Fame, ABC Family’s Dance Fever, CBS’s Star Search, semi-finalists for a second time on NBC’s, America’s Got Talent, featured dancers in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and, most recently, featured half-time entertainment at the NFL's Carolina Panthers Game. All That! was also presented the Pioneer Award, clogging’s highest honor, for their huge contribution to promoting the dance.

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The Carolina Opry Theater Dancers Mollie Daniel: A seventh generation Texan, Mollie began dancing at an early age and has trained and performed across the United States with Houston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, The School of American Ballet in New York City and numerous other entertainment productions. Honored with many national awards and scholarships in all dance styles, Mollie is excited to have the opportunity to come home to Myrtle Beach and perform at The Carolina Opry Theater!

Elizabeth Hite: Originally from Abbeville, SC, Elizabeth began her dance training right here in Myrtle Beach at Carolina Forest Performing Arts Academy.

While at CFPAA, she performed with such companies as New York City Dance Alliance, Hollywood Vibe, Show Stoppers, K.A.R and State Dance. Elizabeth has had the opportunity to dance in many professional Myrtle Beach productions.

Alexa Peragine: Born and raised near the Jersey Shore, Alexa began dancing at an early age, attending Center Stage Dance & Theater School and the Freehold Regional High School performing arts program. Alexa received her BFA at Point Park University in Pittsburgh and has trained with Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions and numerous companies throughout the USA. She recently originated two shows with Princess Cruises by Stephen Schwartz, Al Blackstone, Dan Levine and John Tartaglia. After 3 years traveling the world dancing for Princess, Alexa is honored and grateful to start her journey here at The Carolina Opry Theater!

Baylee Domer: Originally from Southington, OH, Baylee has over 20 years of training in all styles of dance, has won numerous regional and national dance titles, and spent several seaons with the Cleveland Cavalier Girls. She was one of six chosen to represent the Cavaliers in the NBA games in China and choreographed a routine for one of the NBA final games as part of the 2016 national Championship team. When Baylee isn’t dancing, she spends her time with her parents, her four sisters and her dog Oliver.

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It’s About More Than Money.

It’s About Return On Investment.

At United Community Bank, we believe life is about more than money–it’s about making time for those things that matter most. With hassle-free solutions and personalized service, we help manage your finances so you can focus on your greatest investments.

Speak with us today to learn more about our banking solutions that allow you the time you need to invest in life’s most important things.

MYRTLE BEACH 1701 North Oak Street | 843-839-9339

Member FDIC. © 2019 United Community Bank | ucbi.com

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It’s our place to say that seafood should be served fresh and full of flavor here on the coast. It’s our place, where you’ll find just that on each course of our dinner menu, including a she crab soup prepared right in front of you at our steam galley. It’s all here in a fresh take on dining, where we take pride in providing you with distinctive, sustainable seafood dishes and local produce in an ethereal, eco-friendly restaurant that’s kind to Mother Earth from the kitchen to the front of the house.

Hook & Barrel. One nibble and you’ll be hooked.

8014 NORTH KINGS HIGHWAY | MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29572 843.839.5888 | WWW.HOOKANDBARRELRESTAURANT.COM