Gardner-Webb Launches New Summer in the Springs Concert Series at Brinkley Amphitheater

Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Plays June 8; Carl Cartee with Special Guests Performs July 20

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A brass “dream team” and a Dove award-winning musician will perform in Gardner-Webb University’s inaugural “Summer in the Springs” Concert Series at Brinkley Amphitheater. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass will entertain on June 8. Carl Cartee with special guests Shaylee Simeone and April Cushman will be in concert on July 20. Cartee’s event will raise funds for GWU mission and service trips for students. A third concert planned for Aug. 24 will welcome GWU students back to campus; details will be announced soon.

“Summertime and music are synonymous, and what better way to enjoy the Dawg Days of Summer in Boiling Springs than with a series of concerts under the lights at GWU’s new amphitheater,” shared Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “Since we opened the venue last October, we’ve enjoyed sampling from a range of musical genres; with the announcement of these upcoming events, we will expand our offerings even further. I warmly invite the campus community, as well as our neighbors from across Cleveland County and beyond, to join us for some memorable summer nights!”

All seats are general admission. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now: $20 for Marsalis, here, and $15 for Cartee, here.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

June 8

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. Gardner-Webb Associate Professor Tim Hudson has played trumpet with the group since 2015. The group is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. The ensemble is especially dedicated to reaching out to the world’s youth and inspiring them to reach for their dreams.

Performances range from solo trumpet, to brass quintet, to the full 11-piece ensemble with percussion. In recent years, the group has been invited to perform in performing arts centers around the world including China’s National Center for the Performing Arts, Guangzhou Opera House, Tangelwood’s Seiji Ozawa Hall, and prominent performing arts centers throughout the United States, South America, Asia, and Europe.

A Night of Worship with Carl Cartee and Special Guests Shaylee Simeone and April Cushman

July 20

Carl Cartee wrote his first song at the age of 7, considering music more of a second language than an acquired skill. His catalog of songs and studio albums have garnered him a Dove award as well as tracks on the albums of artists, including Elevation Worship, Laura Story, Aaron Schust, Selah, Jaci Valesquez, Big Daddy Weave, The Martins, NewSpring Worship, Finding Favour, LifeWay Worship, The Gaither Vocal Band, Rory & Joey, The Oak Ridge Boys, FFH, Travis Cottrell and over 150 songs cut by other artists.

A Gardner-Webb Distinguished Alumni, Cartee has written and recorded 13 albums over the last 18 years and performed with artists Third Day, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman but is most grateful to lead and serve on the staff of Fellowship Bible Church in Nashville, Tenn., as director of Worship Development. He is also the founder of the Inspire Worship Conference, an annual event that trains and equips church worship leaders.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.