FORUM at Lees-McRae College
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical journey at FORUM, an 8-week concert series that brings incredible national entertainment right to the stunning mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina! From June 16 to August 4, Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College will come alive with enchanting performances at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Platinum Season Package = $485
Gold Season Package = $175
Individual Performance Tickets = $12–40
2025 FORUM Season

Miami Sound Revue: A Tribute to Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
Miami Sound Revue is an electrifying concert experience, celebrating the music of Gloria Estefan. This stellar group of high-energy artists features vocalist Katherine Torrivilla, who has perfected her authentic arrangements of these iconic hits performing with members of the original “Miami Sound Machine” and original cast members of the Broadway hit “On Your Feet.” In the 80s and 90s, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine had 17 Top 40 hits including “Conga”, “Get On Your Feet”, “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”, “Anything for You”, and “1-2-3”. With Gloria’s retirement from performing, Miami Sound Revue continues her legacy, celebrates her iconic music and shares the infectious rhythms, melodies and joy with fans old and new!

DAYBREAK: The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow
Get ready to experience one of the most authentic tribute acts ever to hit the music scene as “DAYBREAK - The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow” takes you on a musical journey back to the 70’s. Fans will experience Barry Manilow’s greatest hits the way you remember them. Led by veteran musician and accomplished pianist Joe Hite, DAYBREAK brings to life timeless classics like “Mandy”, “Can’t Smile Without You” and the foot stomping rhythm of “Copacabana” just to name a few. You won’t believe your eyes or ears as this 8-piece ensemble presents the Music and Passion of Barry Manilow to perfection while keeping the music alive for generations to enjoy.

Western Piedmont Symphony
For 59 years, Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS) has enriched and engaged the western foothills of North Carolina with high-quality and diverse symphonic music, today under the direction of Maestro Matthew Troy. Troy is a conductor with a mission to make classical music accessible to everyone and to program concerts that are socially meaningful and relevant. He is recognized for creating an instant rapport with both orchestras and audiences, and for his unique ability to make classical music engaging and relevant to today’s audiences. Each season, WPS presents a variety of series, ensembles, concerts, plus educational and community engagement programs. The WPS was a FORUM favorite for 11 Years until their conductor retired in 2020 and we are excited to have them back!

So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience, Starring Robert Neary
This is a show unlike any tribute you have ever seen or heard before. As a Broadway, television, and motion picture actor for over 35 years, Robert Neary creates a one of a kind, cut above the rest, production. This is a true immersion into the life and career of Neil Diamond. Neary talks about the songs and tells the stories behind them. You will swear you are watching the master himself, as he and the band perform Neil Diamond’s greatest hits. Songs like “Cherry Cherry”, “I Am, I Said”, “I’m a Believer”, “Solitary Man”, “Holly Holy”, “Coming to America”, “Sweet Caroline” and so many more. The Neil Diamond Experience is guaranteed to leave you speechless!

Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O Davis
Tapestry starring Suzanne O Davis, is North America's premier celebration of the music of Carole King. This IS the definitive, immersive concert experience honoring Carole's legacy. Suzanne effortlessly captures the sound, energy, and vibe of a 1970s Carole King concert by bringing the legendary Tapestry album to life. You will feel the vinyl and see the iconic image of her multi-million selling album of 1971.
Suzanne’s performance will take you by the hand and by the heart as she brings those unforgettable songs back to you. Along with her world-class band, they perform not only Carole's hits that continued into the 70s, but also a full chronicle of 1960s chart-toppers which come to life in this heartfelt tribute. You will feel the Earth Move under your feet with this show!

BEE GEES NOW!
BEE GEES NOW! is a national premiere Bee Gees Tribute-Band. They present a dynamic, interactive and thoroughly entertaining live tribute to the multi-platinum kings of disco. BEE GEES NOW! takes the audience on a masterful musical journey that mixes in the Bee Gees songbook of beautiful love ballads and dance fever, inducing hits that made the Bee Gees a musical sensation. Experience an incredible theatrical production that touches your senses and effects your emotions. Close your eyes and you will swear the real Gibb Brothers were performing! Open your eyes and experience the illusion that they’re standing in front of you! BEE GEES NOW! An unforgettable night of incredible entertainment awaits you.

The Olivia Show
Singer! Actress! Superstar! Over five decades of superstardom and the late Olivia Newton-John’s flame is still burning bright! An unstoppable force who dominated music, movies, and pop culture. She broke barriers, pushed boundaries, and created timeless classics. The Olivia Show starring Las Vegas Headliner and 2024 Josie Music Awards Tribute Artist of the Year Nominee, Sabrina Plaisance-Sia, shares the music and story of Olivia Newton-John from her early days as a country superstar, to her unforgettable movie career, and her iconic pop stardom. The Olivia Show is the amazingly energetic tribute to Olivia Newton-John & Grease that has audiences singing and dancing in the aisles!

Liverpool Legends
LIVERPOOL LEGENDS are four talented musicians and actors who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison – sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles – to recreate the band that changed the face of music forever! Louise’s involvement with LIVERPOOL LEGENDS makes them the only band in the world with a close, direct biological link to the original Fab Four. Liverpool Legends, along with Louise Harrison were nominated for a Grammy Award for their work on "Fab Fan Memories" - a Beatles Bond. They perform songs spanning the entire career of The Beatles and on through the solo years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, LIVERPOOL LEGENDS will make you feel like you are watching the real thing! Together, these four lads will bring “A Complete Beatles Experience.”
About FORUM
What sets FORUM apart? It's the amazing collaboration between seasonal residents, locals, and the vibrant community of Lees-McRae College! Our dedicated FORUM Board of Directors proudly represents these groups, fostering a rich cultural tapestry that has attracted over 800 season ticket members last year alone.
Founded in 1979 by a passionate group of summer residents, FORUM has a proud history of enhancing our community’s cultural landscape. Guided by the support of Lees-McRae College—FORUM is thrilled to celebrate its 47th year of delivering enriching and wholesome entertainment.
Our program selection process is truly one-of-a-kind! We handpick our performances through valued connections with both local residents and national talent agents. The Program Selection Committee, carefully sifts through more than 50 candidates each year to curate just 12 exceptional programs, ensuring a delightful variety of vocalists, music groups, Big Band and brass ensembles, pianists, and tribute artists.
What’s more? FORUM is a non-profit organization, and every ticket you purchase or membership you secure goes back into our community—not only enhancing the following season's programming but also supporting scholarships for deserving Theatre Arts majors at Lees-McRae College.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant celebration of music and culture! Secure your tickets today, and let’s make this summer one to remember at FORUM!
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FORUM Board Members
Executive Board
President: French Harvey
Vice President: Mark Nixon
Treasurer: Rosemary Rose
Program Selection Committee Chair: Mark Nixon
Governance and Nominating Chair: Lisa Goldberg
Marketing Co-Chairs: Diane Cunningham and Roxanne Mann
Member at Large: Jim O'ConnellBoard Members and Committees
Program Selection Committee: Mark Nixon (Chair), Debbie Nixon, Jacquie Brauser, Jim O'Connell, Barbara O'Connell, Larry Pitt, Renee Pitt, Bill Scaringe, Rosemary Scaringe, Don Tyler
Marketing Committee: Diane Cunningham (Co-Chair), Roxanne Mann (Co-Chair), Rick Cunningham, Rosemary Scaringe
Governance and Nominating: Lisa Goldberg (Chair), Lydia Daniel, Nancy Hoyt
Budget Committee: French Harvey, Roxanne Mann, Mark Nixon, Rosemary Rose
Ticketing Committee: French Harvey, Mary LePage, Mark Nixon, Rosemary Rose
Area Representatives: Lydia Daniel (Linville Ridge), Mary LePage (Sugar Mountain), Roxanne Mann (Mountain Glen), Jim and Barbara O’Connell (Beech Mountain), Marilyn Williams (Banner Elk), OPEN (Elk River and Grandfather Mountain)Social Committee Chair: Julie Harvey
Performance Volunteer Coordinator: Bill Scaringe
Centurions Seat Cover Chair: Rosemary Scaringe
Restaurant Discount Coordinator: Rosemary Scaringe
Sponsorship Coordinator: Rosemary Scaringe
Chief Greeter: Murray MillerLees-McRae Representatives: Lee King (President), Kristine Stuckey (Director of Events and Conferences)