United Way to kick off campaign with concert
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on July 31, 2016 1:45 AM
Elvis is back and he's bringing friends.
The United Way kickoff concert will once again feature Winston-Salem resident and Elvis tribute artist Stephen Freeman. It will be held Aug. 19 at the Paramount Theatre.
There will be a VIP meet and greet reception at 6 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. and the opening act begins at 7:30 p.m. Freeman will take the stage at 8 p.m.
This year marks the fifth time Freeman has been featured at the United Way concert.
"In past years, the concert has gone over really well," said Catherine Lechot, community engagement manager for United Way of Wayne County. "We sold out one time and came close to selling out a second time. We've always had a good reception for this event."
Mrs. Lechot said people began calling back in February asking if Freeman would return this year.
"The way we're switching it up this year is he is having other tribute artists join him," Mrs. Lechot said. "He's bringing Tina Turner, Kenny Rogers, Patsy Cline and the Beatles. Some are members of his Echoes of a Legend Showband."
The opening act is always local talent, and will be local again this year, but plans haven't been finalized yet, Mrs. Lechot said.
Freeman changes up his concert a little each year so it's not the same show year after year.
"Fortunately, Elvis recorded over 850 songs, so that gives us a wealth of material to work with," Freeman said. "Additionally, I am very fortunate to have a band that is extremely talented. Many members of our band are fantastic tribute artists in their own right, and we will be putting that on display in Goldsboro."
He said the Elvis hits he will perform this year will be comprised of requests he has received from Goldsboro fans since last year's concert, in addition to a mix of fan favorites and greatest hits.
"The Goldsboro audience is terrific," Freeman said. "I am so honored to see the same faces when we return each year and very blessed by the friendships we have created over the years since this event first started. The fans are very engaged in the shows and clearly have a good time. It's always a good feeling when the audience gives you really good, spontaneous feedback during your performance. That makes it fun for everyone."
Freeman said there is no better job in the world than what he does.
"I am incredibly blessed to have a job that I not only enjoy doing, but one that brings so much joy to others," he said. "When you combine that with raising money for a multitude of great causes, you have a recipe for happiness. I know that the Goldsboro community will turn out in force once again this year to support United Way, and we will do our very best to make sure they are entertained at the highest level."
"We realize that some of the people who come to the concert have never heard of United Way," Mrs. Lechot said. "This is just one more way for us to take a small opportunity to talk a little bit about what we do in the community."
Before the concert, results of the front-runners campaign will be announced. The front-runners campaign takes place before the general campaign. This year's campaign goal is $1,234,000.
Tickets for the concert are $22 for reserved seating and $37 for the VIP meet and greet reception, which will feature hors d'oeuvres from Longhorn Steakhouse, beverages and a time for meeting and taking photos with Freeman and the other tribute artists.