Published: 08:20 AM, Thu Jan 26, 2012
Out & About: Concert will help replace Sunrise Theater's roof
Have you ever tried to repair or replace a roof? It's no easy task. Just ask Herb Cameron.
Cameron is vice president of the Sunrise Preservation Group and chairman of the SunEvents Committee. He also is one of the people behind the 12th annual Raise the Roof concert, which will be Saturday at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines.
The concert event will bring an eclectic mix of musicians to the historic theater at 7 p.m. and will serve as the largest benefit event and fundraiser for the Sunrise. It's all for the purpose of - you guessed it - repairing and replacing the theater's roof.
The roof, by the way, was built in 1898, when the theater was just a hardware store. Since then, it has become a performing arts center and has been run by the Sunrise Preservation Group.
"We began this concert series 12 years ago, but it's taken some time to finish with the roof," said Cameron. "With a building of this age - over 100 years old - you're going to have complications; it's a great old theater."
The concert will feature several local and regional acts, including Tom Bernett's Swing Street Band, The April Fools, Anna Murphy & Friends, Tony "Pie Face" McMillan, The Links and The Sensational Jubilaires, as well as an appearance by the 2011 Sardine Queen. Ken Howell will serve as emcee for the evening's musical extravaganza.
"We've always focused on including local talent," said Cameron. "We've been fortunate to have these acts donate their time. These are some really terrific people."
The music includes everything from big-band swing sound and Americana-style music to a barbershop quartet and a gospel group. Clearly, the concert features something for everyone, Cameron said.
"We normally bring out 300 folks to the show, which is close to selling out for us," said Cameron. "Our crowds have really enjoyed the shows. This has become a tradition for us."
Cameron said this year's concert should be the final push the theater needs to finish the roof work, but that won't mean the end of the concert series.
"We hope to finish the roof this year, but there'll always be a need for the concert," said Cameron. "Raise the Roof can help us with other projects, too."
Tickets are $12 and are available online at sunrisetheater.org or by calling 910-692-8501. The Sunrise Theater is at 250 N.W. Broad St. in Southern Pines.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.