Hendersonville – Empire Strikes Brass took center stage at Hendersonville Theatre’s HT Hometown Sound Music Series on March 15, delivering a high-energy St. Patrick’s Day celebration filled with funk, brass, and rock. Tickets were priced at $38 and available online or through the Box Office, with discounts for groups of ten or more.
Electrifying Performance and Community Spirit
The concert featured Empire Strikes Brass, known for their electrifying performances and powerful horn section. The band blended New Orleans-style brass with funk, rock, and soul, creating a sound that encouraged attendees to dance. Victoria Lamberth, Managing Artistic Director at Hendersonville Theatre, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring Empire Strikes Brass to Hendersonville for this festive celebration. Their dynamic sound and high-energy performance will make this a St. Patrick’s Day to remember!
Founded in 2012, Empire Strikes Brass evolved from a party band into a collective of players, singers, songwriters, and producers. They developed an original sound that fuses various musical influences while maintaining their roots in New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk tunes. The band featured several talented members, including Grammy Award-winning artist Debrissa McKinney and keyboardist/producer Lenny Pettinelli.
The event was part of HT’s Hometown Sound Music Series, which showcases incredible musical talent in an intimate setting. Lamberth highlighted the importance of live music in fostering community spirit, noting, “Live music has this incredible way of bringing people together — it’s more than just entertainment. It creates a shared experience that connects everyone in the crowd.”
The financial implications of hosting such events were significant. The concert aimed to attract a diverse audience while generating revenue to support future programming. Lamberth remarked on the unique atmosphere of past events, recalling a memorable performance by Leon Timbo & The Family Band that captivated attendees with their powerful mix of soul, folk, and gospel.
However, some critics raised concerns about the financial sustainability of such programs. They argued that while ticket sales could provide some revenue, the costs associated with production could pose risks to the theater’s budget. Lamberth acknowledged these concerns but remained optimistic about community support.
The Hometown Sound Music Series was sponsored by the City of Hendersonville, the Community Foundation of Henderson County, and the North Carolina Arts Council. The funding from various sources aimed to ensure the continuation of quality programming at Hendersonville Theatre.
As the concert approached, attendees were encouraged to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere filled with lively tunes and shamrocks. The showtime was set for 7:30 p.m., lasting approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Hendersonville Theatre provided an inviting environment for live performances since its inception in 1966.
In addition to the concert, Lamberth highlighted a special promotion for attendees: tickets for the upcoming play “Life Sucks,” running from March 20 to 30, would be available at a discount during the event. This modern reimagining of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya promised humor and raw emotion, making it an appealing option for concert-goers looking for additional entertainment.
Hendersonville Theatre continued to serve as a premier venue for diverse music and performing arts talent. Located at 229 South Washington Street, it offered free parking and was wheelchair accessible. With concessions and a cash bar available, the theater aimed to create an engaging experience for all attendees.
As Empire Strikes Brass prepared to take the stage, the anticipation for a night filled with music and community spirit grew among attendees eager to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style.