news-category: Community News Gardner-Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs Host Webbstock ’25 for Fourth Year By Office of University Communications On February 7, 2025 Festival Features Four Bands, Kids’ Zone, Food and Specialty Vendors and Beverage Garden BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Performers at Webbstock ’25 will take attendees on a tour through music genres that begins with Bluegrass/Americana, winds through pop and classic rock, and ends with a tribute to the ’90s. Hosted by Gardner-Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs, the fourth annual event will be Saturday, April 12. Free performances are scheduled in the Brinkley Amphitheater and the Main Street stage. The festival opens at 11 a.m., and the first band performs at 1 p.m. A variety of local and regional talent will entertain throughout the afternoon and evening. “It certainly has been fun watching this event grow over the years, and we’re sure that the 2025 version of Webbstock will be the best yet!” shared Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “Webbstock IV will be a day jam-packed with music, food, and fellowship for the entire family. We are so pleased to invite our students, faculty, staff, and friends throughout the community to once again join us for this annual kickoff to Spring extravaganza.” Main Street will be closed to traffic during the event, from College Avenue to Branch Street. In addition to live music, activities include a free kids’ zone on the lawn in front of GWU’s Noel Hall, unique items for sell by local artisans and other vendors, and a range of specialty food options. For attendees 21 and older, the Broad River Greenway will host a beverage garden in the parking lot that serves downtown businesses. Music Schedule Performers on the Main Street stage: 1 p.m. – Wiregrass: The members of this bluegrass/Americana band are from the North Carolina foothills. Jamey Harrison, of Ellenboro, N.C., performs lead vocals and plays guitar. Brad Davis, also of Ellenboro, adds vocals and plays bass. The other two band members are Scott Lail of Delight, N.C., vocals and banjo/dobro; and Tyler Leonard, of Lawndale, N.C., vocals and lead guitar. 5 p.m. – Will Shehan and Off the Wall: Shehan is a pop artist from Gaffney, S.C., who performs both solo and with his band, Off the Wall. He is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist with a passion for creating and playing relatable and meaningful music. His songs have catchy pop hooks, but his unique sound is rooted in soulful melodies and chords reminiscent of great artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and Maroon 5. Though he’s young, his songs reflect his lifelong love and respect for many eras of great music. Guests on the Brinkley Amphitheater stage: 3 p.m. – Electric Dynamite: This group brings back the classic rock tone of sizzling hot tube amplifiers and massive dynamics with a soulful undertone. Lead man JT Fitch captivates everyone with his arena rock-style guitar playing and his powerful blues-driven vocals, all backed by a rhythm section that keeps the party going all night. 7 p.m. – Kids in America: A totally ’90s tribute from Charlotte, N.C., brings the spirit of the 1990s alive with their high-octane, wildly entertaining performances of the decade’s greatest hits. Spanning across genres like pop, dance, grunge, and a little hip-hop, ’90s Kids doesn’t just play music—it recreates an era. Their shows are a visual treat, complete with costumes and props, ensuring an immersive ’90s experience. Important links and contacts For partnership and sponsorship inquiries, contact Nate Evans, [email protected]. If you would like to be a vendor at Webbstock, complete the vendor application here. For more information, contact [email protected]. Find Frequently Asked Questions here. A look back at last year’s event: Webbstock is an accessible event for guests with disabilities. It is our mission to provide the best experience for all event attendees. For access/ADA inquiries, contact [email protected]. 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.
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News Article Gardner-Webb University Provost Dr. Karen Aubrey Resigns Dean Dr. Nicole Waters Named Interim BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has announced her resignation from Gardner-Webb University. She will remain in her role through April 22. Dean Dr. Nicole Waters will serve as interim provost. Interim GWU President Nate Evans praised Aubrey’s outstanding contributions to the University. […] Office of University Communications | March 4, 2025