By Charlotte Smith

 

ELIZABETHTOWN – On Friday night, the picturesque Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery played host to an unforgettable sold-out concert experience. The Roots and Boots concert, presented by Campbell Oil Company, brought together country music enthusiasts from all corners of Bladen County and beyond to witness a lineup of legends in the industry. The crowd buzzed with excitement as they eagerly awaited performances from Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, and Sammy Kershaw, with Bryan Mayer setting the stage ablaze as the opening act.

 

Drawing in an impressive 1,500 attendees, the event showcased the best of Southern hospitality and entertainment. Julius Wilson, Vice President of Hospitality and Sales at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery guided in the concert enthusiasts with pride. The event sold out two weeks before the show date.

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“This concert is the biggest one yet,” revealed Derrick Rice, one of the organizers at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. And we can certainly see why! Preparations for the extravaganza began three days in advance, ensuring that everything was primed for a flawless evening. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office kept a watchful eye; the eager crowd began to stream in around 5 pm.

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Bryan Mayer, the talented opening act, kicked off the show with his engaging stage presence. His hit song, “This is Me,” got the crowd to their feet. Mayer’s spirited performance set the tone for a remarkable night of country music celebration.

 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was time for the main event. Aaron Tippin, with an impressive record of 38 singles and three Number One hits, wasted no time in captivating the audience with his commanding stage presence and rich vocals. Tippin had the crowd singing along with gusto, proving that classics never go out of style.

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Collin Raye, the master of heartfelt ballads, took the stage next. With four Number One hits and an impressive streak of 14 consecutive top 10 singles, Raye serenaded the audience with his timeless songs. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as fans relished the chance to hear country music gems live.

 

Sammy Kershaw, the charismatic showman, kept the energy soaring with his performance. His unforgettable number one hits transported everyone back to April 1993, reminding us why his music has stood the test of time.

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One concertgoer summed up the night perfectly: “Well, well, well, wasn’t that show just a delightful explosion of talent? These guys really know how to put on a show, don’t they? I mean, their voices are still on point, and their personalities? Out of this world! I need another dose of their awesomeness.”

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Roots and Boots was made possible by the generous support of sponsors like Johnson & Johnson Attorney’s At Law, PLLC, Minuteman Food Mart, Cape Fear Distillery, and White Dog Entertainment. Wesley Campbell, Event Sponsor from Campbell Oil Company, expressed the importance of being actively supportive of the community. Campbell said, “This is a good way for us to be active and supportive of the community. Alex does a great job here and we will continue to be supportive.”

 

As the night drew to a close, Alex Munroe, the owner of Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery, expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended and announced another exciting event on the horizon. Mark your calendars for September 16, 2023, when Uncle Kracker will be taking the stage at this local venue, ready to create more memories that will last a lifetime.

 

So, there you have it — Roots and Boots — a night to remember under the starlit skies of Elizabethtown. Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery, nestled at 195 Vineyard Drive, proved once again to be the perfect backdrop for a legendary evening of country music magic. Until the next concert rolls around, let’s raise our glasses and toast to the everlasting allure of great music, good company, and fine wine. Cheers!