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The Milestone Celebration of Bradshaw Performing Arts Center

Nov 25, 2024 at 5:21 PM

A Sandhills staple recently commemorated a significant milestone as the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC) marked its fifth anniversary with a grand party and a captivating performance. This event not only showcased the center's growth and success but also highlighted the collaborative efforts of its team, donors, and the entire Sandhills community.

An Evening of Gratitude and Celebration

During the celebration, BPAC Executive Director Morgan Sills delivered a heartfelt speech that recounted the center's remarkable journey over the past five years. Sills emphasized that BPAC's achievements were a result of the collective efforts of everyone involved. "There's an old saying: nothing recedes like success," he recited. "But BPAC has had five years of success in the face of unprecedented growth in Moore County and tremendous change in our world at large."Partygoers were treated to a delightful evening as they enjoyed cocktails, good company, and delicious catering while mingling in the courtyard and lobby. Southern Q Catering provided a spread of finger foods and desserts, while BPAC offered its concession spread, including a variety of wine and nonalcoholic beverages.Sills expressed his gratitude to the assembled audience, saying, "Thank you for realizing that the starving artist mentality doesn't make sense in the long term, especially with the workload that we have here. Thank you also for believing that the quality level of a venue tells the audience how they should receive and respect the work that they see on stage. To have BPAC's facilities at the level they are tells our students and the other young people who perform here that they deserve a place as nice as this, as the backdrop for their dreams coming true."After personally thanking the long list of those who help run BPAC—from the day-to-day operations of housekeeping to the financial contributions of sponsors—Sills humorously remarked, "This is beginning to sound like one of those Oscars speeches where they start crying and thanking people."However, Sills also took the opportunity to thank performers, dreamers, and, of course, those who have attended shows over the last five years. "They've given all of us that work here work that is worth working for," he said. "Small town doesn't have to mean a small time."

The Main-Stage Performance: An Evening with Jimmy Webb

After the anniversary party, speeches, and cocktails, the evening shifted to the main-stage performance of the night: An Evening with Jimmy Webb. Webb's rich, evocative music continues to draw audiences into his "special universe of lyrical storytelling." For decades, he has captivated audiences with his performances, and Friday night was no exception.His iconic "MacArthur Park" has experienced a remarkable revival in 2024, featured prominently in the recently released movie Beetlejuice. This performance was a testament to the enduring power of his music and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.Moving forward, BPAC is already looking forward to future seasons and has prepared an exciting lineup for the coming year. Sills invites enthusiasts of the arts to imagine what their vision of BPAC five years from now looks like and how the vision can be accomplished.Feature photo: BPAC Executive Director Morgan Sills and Sandhills Community College Vice President of Engagement Germaine Elkins celebrate BPACS's fifth anniversary on Nov. 22.~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.Please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter.