FORUM at Lees-McRae College
FORUM was organized in 1979 by a small group of "summer people" to bring 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 by leaps and bounds and embarks on its thirty-third year of providing both cultural enrichment and wholesome entertainment.
The key to FORUM's success is the dedicated involvement and cooperation between seasonal residents, local residents and Lees-McRae College. The FORUM Board of Directors is made up of representatives from each of these groups.
The formula for the selection of programs is unique. Most programs are selected as a result of personal contact with an area resident. Recommendations are made to the Program Selection Committee (PSC) who make selections, and contact the artists to see if they are available and will work within FORUM's limited time frame and budget. The PSC attempts to balance its choices to provide presentations of thought provoking speakers, vocalists, Big Band/brass, chamber ensembles, pianists, dance and drama.
Expenses for FORUM programs are underwritten by contributors. In special cases, entire programs are underwritten by members of the community. FORUM plans each year's programs based on the previous year's contributions. The membership year is September 1 through August 31.
If you have enjoyed FORUM, we invite you to help ensure its continuation by becoming a "Friend" (contributions up to $125.00) or a Patron ($125.00 or more per person). PATRON BENEFITS: As a patron you will enjoy limited reserved parking at Hayes Lot and an invitation to the Annual Patron Social. Checks should be made payable to FORUM and mailed to FORUM, P. O. Box 649, Banner Elk, NC 28604 or all four major credit cards are accepted.
2013 FORUM Season
June 18 - Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band is an affectionate re-creation of a small town band that existed in the late 1800’s. The experience is an excursion to an era when life moved at a less hurried pace and summer evenings were spent with a picnic in the park while listening to band music.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
June 25 - Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing today and his stunning virtuosity careens across the musical spectrum from Jazz standards to opera, classic rock to contemporary pop, Latin to R&B, and classical to swing. He and his duo partner, always deliver an energetic and musically solid performance.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
July 2 - Glory Crampton is a Broadway leading lady, musical theatre veteran who is best known for her critically acclaimed roles from Phantom of the Opera to Camelot. She is an accomplished soprano solo artist who has sung with such acclaimed artists as tenor Jose Carreras.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
July 9 - Western Piedmont Symphony, conducted by Maestro John Gordon Ross, will delight the audience with a tribute to the movies. The music will take the patrons back to their favorite films.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
July 16 - Tango del Cielo features Anna Maria Mendieta, principal harpist with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. She pioneered performances of contemporary tango music and is one of the members of the Tango del Cielo, a group of six musicians, where she performs on harp and dances.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
July 23 - Emile Pandolfi, pianist, has delighted FORUM audiences in the past with his time-honored popular standards and Broadway hits, seasoned with a dash of classical favorites. In 2013, he will be joined by vocalist, Dana Russell, to add to a magical night of musical entertainment.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
July 30 - Vivace is a modern and thrilling combination of four unique and exceptional singers. The stirring combination of powerful male voices and emotionally driven female vocals sets them apart from all others with a fresh take on classical/modern day music.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
August 6 - Dunlap and Pennington are two classically trained concert artists who perform simultaneously, one on the piano and the other on a Wersi, a combination electronic keyboard, organ and computer creating the sounds of an entire symphonic orchestra. They perform Brahms to Broadway, from Gershwin to GaGa, their fabulous personalities and showmanship is unrivaled.
Hayes Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
August 4 - Chamber Music Special - Charlotte Chamber Brass - A Sunday afternoon Chamber music concert featuring a brass group recommended by Maestro John Gordon Ross. 2:30 p.m. - Evans Auditorium, Cannon Student Center
To become a FORUM patron, contact Sandy Ramsey.
828.898.8748
FORUM
P. O. Box 649
Banner Elk, NC 28604