May 28, 2024

FMU Performing Arts Center announces 2024-2025 Spotlight Series

The FMU Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Spotlight Series featuring diverse offerings including rock, pop, country, dance, and more.

The season kicks off with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam on July 30. Mason left Traffic in 1969 and has penned over 100 songs and has three gold albums, a platinum album, and a top-ten single, “We Just Disagree.”

On August 24, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, described as a “ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition” perform on the mainstage as part of their farewell tour. The group got its start in Missouri in 1970 and has released a number of major label and independent record label recordings and traveled millions of miles performing throughout North America and Europe. The current lineup includes two of the original co-founders of the band, ensuring the signature sound and style remains intact and vibrant.

The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John featuring Michael Cavanaugh takes the stage on September 14. This show, starring Tony and Grammy nominated Cavanaugh will feature the greatest hits of these two great rock piano legends including “Piano Man,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Movin’ Out,” “My Life,” and many more.

Next up on September 28 is Micky Dolenz, all-around performer extraordinaire, best known as a vocalist and drummer of the 1960’s pop legends The Monkees. The Monkees first four albums all reached the number one position on the charts and launched three number one singles: “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” (both with lead vocals by Micky), and “Daydream Believer.”

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap will perform on October 25. The group had six consecutive gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording act including The Beatles. 

A multi-media concert celebration of the music of ELO, The Electric Light Orchestra Experience featuring Evil Woman – The American ELO, will be November 22. Attendees will be left spellbound by the flawless musicianship and vocals of the group’s twelve musicians as well as the fusion of Beatlesque-Pop and classical arrangements of songs like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Evil Woman.”

Step Afrika! will take the stage once again on February 1, 2025. The world’s leading authority on the artform of stepping, Step Afrika! has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US. 

Greenville, SC, native Edwin McCain will perform his hits on February 21. McCain has been called a “street corner prophet” and a “great American romantic.” His hits include two of the biggest love songs in the history of music, “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More.”

The final show of the Spotlight Series is Ranky Tanky on March 20. Ranky Tanky, a Gullah phrase for “get funky” is a GRAMMY award winning band from Charleston who has established itself as a passionate, global ambassador for the local culture and community, helping to faithfully preserve the traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South.

Single tickets as well as the popular Buy 4 PAC are on sale now. With the Buy 4 PAC, you can save 10% or more on your choice of four or more shows during the 2024-2025 season. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fmupac.org, by phone at 843-661-4444, or in person at the PAC Ticket Office.

For more information on each show or to purchase your tickets, visit www.fmupac.org.