Gwinnett Center

By: Howard Pousner

Published: March 13, 2024

Alex “Moose” Weekes wasn’t too sure about the nickname that was sticking by the time he joined the legendaryHarlem Globetrotters full time in 2024.

The 6-foot-8 power forward was known as a high-flyer when he was a starter on powerhouse Berkmar High School Patriots teams, before leading Middle Tennessee State University in blocks as a freshman in 2024-04. He had nicknames then, too, of course — predictable ones like “Slim,” “A.W.” or its inevitable variant “A-Dub.”

But when Weekes joined the ever-globetrotting squad of basketball showmen and showwomen, his teammates, noticing how his blown-out hairstyle took the shape of antlers when he was flying through the air, began calling out “Moose! Moose!”

The more he contested it — “I definitely don’t (look like a moose),” he mock-protested in one early interview. “I don’t smell like one either.” — the more it stuck.

Now in his third season with the Globetrotters — who bring their nicknames, athleticism, showmanship and high-spirited tomfoolery to Gwinnett Arena for two games on March 14 — Weekes has come to fully embrace his utter moose-ness.

“A moose is known as being a large, powerful animal, some might say majestic. I would like to say that I fit that description,” the 30-year-old baller boasted from a recent Pennsylvania tour stop.

Also dubbed “The Hair Up There,” Weekes can’t wait for his homecoming.

“I’m finally coming home, it’s long overdue and I can’t wait to get crazy with the fans,” Weekes said, growing suddenly animated on an otherwise low-key rare day off. “It’s going to be a lot of high-flying dunks, great ball-handling. … (Fans) might jump right out of their seats. They gotta get loose with the Moose!”

Weekes, who makes his offseason home in Duluth, didn’t get to play due to injury when he visited Gwinnett with the Globetrotters once before. This time, the team is letting him switch units (the squad is split into three touring teams) so that he can finally perform for the home folks.

He said he was confident his new squad would be willing to yield some of the spotlight.

“They’re gonna make sure I get a chance to shine and they’re gonna shine right along with me,” Weekes said. “That’s how we do. We’re a big family. … Whenever somebody’s in their hometown, they don’t hesitate to share the court. They just give you the ball and let you go.”

Weekes didn’t grow up dreaming of playing for the Globetrotters. In fact, he questioned if they were really real when he first came across them as a kid, watching an episode of “Scooby-Doo” in which the basketball stars helped solve a case.

“I saw Curly Neal somehow get thrown through a goal with a basketball and thought, ‘Man, there’s no way this is real,’” Weekes recalled with a laugh. “And lo and behold, I found out that these guys really are doing this crazy stuff with the basketball.

“I always wanted to play professional basketball,” he continued. “And now, not only am I doing so, but I’m traveling the world, affecting the lives of our youth and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

The natural-born promoter’s route to the team wasn’t a direct one, though.

Weekes departed Middle Tennessee State after two seasons and didn’t continue his collegiate career for reasons he doesn’t freely detail. He was working as a personal trainer when he got the opportunity to play in a charity game with former Globetrotters and NBA players and was awarded the most valuable player award. One of the ex-Globetrotters encouraged him to try out for the team.

Moose has been on the move ever since. By the end of this season, he said he will have visited every state in the U.S., not to mention an array of international stops.

On the road, he tries to keep up with his Atlanta Hawks (“a special group of guys”) by watching “SportsCenter.”

Another team Weekes keeps an eye on is the Washington Generals, the Globetrotters’ nightly competition. This season has been dubbed the “2015 Washington Generals’ Revenge Tour” in honor of these longtime foes opposing the Globetrotters for the first time in five years.

The Globetrotters last lost to the Generals in 1971, long before Moose was a calf. But Globetrotter promotional material warns that the “Generals are more determined than ever to match the franchise’s historic last victory.”

Given that he’s played, he guesses, a thousand games as a Globetrotter and hasn’t lost one yet, Weekes did not sound too concerned.

“Come one, come all and watch the Generals fall,” Moose announced confidently.

John Fogerty to perform at Gwinnett Arena

2015-03-02T22:00:00Z

http://www.johnfogerty.com/

By: Staff Reporters

Published: March 2, 2024

John Fogerty’s “1969” World Tour recently announced it will include a stop at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on May 9.

The “1969” World Tour began last November with a cross-country trek of Canada, which was named one of the Top 20 Global Concert Tours of 2024 by Pollstar. Kicking-off again on May 2 with a special appearance at the Beale Street Music Festival, the tour will continue to the east coast, including a stop at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth on Saturday, May 9, at 8 p.m. The tour celebrates the year Fogerty wrote and recorded the three seminal albums, “Bayou Country, “Green River” and “Willy and the Poor Boys,” with Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Tickets for Fogerty’s “1969” World Tour range from $35.00 to $65.00 and go on-sale to the public beginning Friday, March 13, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at GwinnettCenter.com, AXS.com, The Arena box office or by calling 770-626-2464.

For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com or johnfogerty.com.

JOHN FOGERTY ANNOUNCES “1969” U.S. TOUR DATE IN ATLANTA - THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER ON MAY 9

2015-03-02T15:00:00Z

(Duluth, GA) JOHN FOGERTY’s highly anticipated world wide “1969” tour is pleased to announce The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, MAY 9 at 8PM.

Beginning May 2nd with a special appearance at the Beale Street Music Festival, the tour will continue to the east coast with stops in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina before heading south to Florida with shows in St. Augustine, Tampa and W. Palm Beach. FOGERTY’s “1969” continues throughout May, June and July with a previously announced show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, scheduled for July 15th. Additional summer dates will be announced shortly, with the U.S. portion of the “1969” tour set to conclude in August.

The “1969” World Tour began last November with a cross country trek of Canada. Seventeen shows in all, many of which sold out, and the crowds were screaming for more. Fogerty’s “1969” Tour was named one of the Top 20 Global Concert Tours of 2024 by Pollstar. Praise for FOGERTY’s delivery, as well as for his exceptionally talented band, came from the Hamilton Spectator, stating: “… this band that Fogerty is fronting now is probably better than that little four-piece garage band known as Creedence Clearwater Revival.”

Tickets for the Fogerty’s “1969” tour range from $35.00 - $65.00 and goes on-sale to the public beginning Friday, March 13 at 10AM. Buy tickets at GwinnettCenter.com, AXS.com, The Arena box office or by calling (770) 626-2464.

FOGERTY’s music, his lyrics and his voice, resounded through an amazing and never duplicated release of three separate albums with Creedence Clearwater Revival (Bayou Country, Green River, and Willy and the Poor Boys). In that year – 1969 - FOGERTY gave the nation, even the world, an emotional and intellectual marker forever burned within our collective psyche. Now, in his 69th year, FOGERTY is calling us back, to re-invigorate those ties that bind us, with his upcoming “1969” World Tour.

FOGERTY has also been hard at work on his first autobiography, which is now set for release this fall.

Check John Fogerty’s website for breaking news, new content and tour information:

“1969” World Tour Itinerary:

May 2 Beale Street Music Festival – Tom Lee Park Memphis, TN

May 3 Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater Whites Creek, TN

May 5 The Red Hat Amphitheater Raleigh, NC

May 6 The Uptown Amphitheatre at The Music Factory Charlotte, NC

May 9 The Arena at Gwinnett Center Duluth, GA

May 12 Bell Auditorium Augusta, GA

May 13 Charter Amphitheater Simpsonville, SC

May 15 St. Augustine Amphitheatre St. Augustine, FL

May 16 Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Tampa, FL

May 17 Coral Sky Amphitheatre W. Palm Beach, FL

June 30 Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts Vienna, VA

July 15 Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, CA

*More dates TBA

About Gwinnett Center:

Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600 square foot grand ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning facility with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. The campus, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, distinguishes itself by hosting a diverse range of events, including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, Lady Gaga, Catalyst Convention, George Strait, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Menopause the Musical, American Idol Live!, Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Michael Bublé, MUSE, and many more. For more information about events on Gwinnett Center’s campus, please visit gwinnettcenter.com/events.

For more information on John Fogerty, contact:

MAD Ink PR

Melissa Dragich-Cordero Michelle Gutenstein-Hinz

melissadragich@gmail.com michelle.gutenstein@me.com

310-547-1212 862-368-6576

Gwinnett Center

Jaclyn Miller

jmiller@gwinnettcenter.com

770-813-7552

At the Gwinnett science and engineering fair, nervous energy, excitement fills the air

2015-02-27T16:37:00Z

By: Keith Farner

Published: February 27, 2024

DULUTH — Buzzing with nervous energy Friday morning, elementary, middle school and high school students waited patiently to show and explain their science and engineering fair projects inside the Gwinnett Center.

For some, it was their first time making it to the 37th annual regional event. Others, like Simone Pete, a Twin Rivers Middle seventh grader, were in their third year.

“Coming here was the best experience of my life,” Pete said. “After I kept coming here, I became interested in more and more projects after being able to be exposed to so many wonderful projects. That helped me come up with more ideas.”

This is the third year Pete has worked on a project about how colors on houses determine how much electricity is used.

Pete joined more than 815 students from across Gwinnett who brought 628 projects that won first place in their local school competitions.

The high school and middle school students who earn first place at the district level competition will move to the next round — the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair — which will be held in Athens in late March. The top projects then qualify for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, May 10-15, in Pittsburgh.

A first-year tandem of eighth-graders from Pinckneyville Middle, Lydia Catterall and Elizabeth Rapkin, were excited and nervous to explain to judges their project about using household and other nearby items to develop clean water.

They were also a bit intimidated looking around at other “super, great projects.” Yet once they talked about their project, their nerves settled.

Their test kit revealed yellow or red water depending on the level of bacteria. Their idea was inspired by a social studies lesson where they learned about water distribution in the Middle East.

“I found it really interesting how some places could have access to all of this clean drinking water and other places had access to lots of water, but none of it was safe to use,” Rapkin said. “So we wanted to find a way to find very common, easy-to-access materials so that everyone could have clean drinking water.”

For judges like Georgia Gwinnett College biology professor Elizabeth Suddeth, the students were very creative and developed original ideas or designs not typically found on a web site. Suddeth also noted that while many of the projects followed the scientific method, many of the students explained their project well, which Suddeth said was an important part of science.

“A lot of them really care about what they did and how to do it, and that’s really fun for me,” she said.

Suddeth also received a preview of sorts of the type of students who may be in her classroom in four or five years.

“It’s nice to see where they are right now and hopefully they’ll keep maturing in their scientific thinking before I see them again,” she said.

One of those students may be Natalia Vega, who Suddeth judged about her project that examined levels of bacteria in the Chattahoochee River. The North Gwinnett Middle eighth-grader said she found low levels of metal in the river, and it was most likely to have E. coli and Bacillus, two forms of bacteria.

Like the Pinckneyville duo, she was also inspired by the cleanliness of water in other countries.

Vega said the science fair has helped her figure out what kind of career to pursue, which so far is “definitely something in the science field.”

Jimmy Buffett sets summer date at Gwinnett arena

2015-02-26T16:42:00Z

www.ajc.com

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: February 26, 2024

immy Buffett is taking his sun-dappled sing-alongs inside this summer – at least when he plays Georgia.

The beach-loving purveyor of good times will perform with his Coral Reefer Band at The Arena at Gwinnett Center at 8 p.m. June 2.

Tickets are $36-$136 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. March 9 at the arena box office, gwinnettcenter.com or by calling 770-626-2464. An American Express pre-sale begins at 10 a.m. March 2.

Last year, Buffett, a frequent visitor to Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, scaled things down for a more intimate gathering at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

The Atlanta-area date is one of his few indoor shows and the first time Buffett is playing the arena in Gwinnett; he’ll also perform at the Amway Center in Orlando and the San Carlos Theater for the road trip that launches in Key West on April 1.

This year, Buffett celebrates the 40th anniversary of his “A1A” album, which includes the hit, “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”

Just Announced: Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band

2015-02-26T12:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Atlanta, GA (Thursday, February 26, 2024) --- Atlanta, the wait is over.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will perform at the Arena at Gwinnett Center for one night only on TUESDAY June 2nd at 8pm, as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “Workin' n' Playin'” Tour 2024.

Local Parrotheads won't want to miss their chance to soak in the full Margaritaville experience.

"We are thrilled to host Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band for the first time at The Arena at Gwinnett Center this June,” said general manager Joseph Dennis. “Jimmy Buffett and his Atlanta Parrotheads will be the perfect kick-off to our summer line-up.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Jimmy's A1A album, his first Top 40 record, which includes the hit, "A Pirate Looks At Forty", a perennial concert favorite. Parrotheads: Get ready for the first ever floating Margaritaville Restaurant and 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar - that will soon set sail aboard the all new Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Escape. Based in Miami, it will sail the Caribbean Sea. More special events coming in 2024....

Tuesday June 2nd

The Arena at Gwinnett Center

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Monday, March 2 at 10am - Friday, March 6 at 10pm

Tickets for the general public on sale Monday, March 9th at 10am

Eight ticket limit per customer.

Tickets available at GwinnettCenter.com, Arena box office, Charge by phone at (770) 626-2464. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

Contact Info:

Jimmy Buffett:

Laurie Gorman - H.K. Management - (310) 550-5256 – laurie3G@aol.com

Live Nation:

Holli Mattison - Live Nation - (404) 364-4268 – hollimattison@livenation.com

Wednesday performance of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY will proceed as scheduled

2015-02-25T20:24:00Z

Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. performance of

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^®

PRESENTS LEGENDS^SM

will proceed as scheduled at the Arena at Gwinnett Center

Ticket exchanges available for 8 remaining shows for those impacted by winter weather

ATLANTA – Feb. 25, 2024 – Tonight’s 7:30 p.m. performance of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^® PRESENTS LEGENDS^SM will proceed as scheduled.

Tickets holders for tonight’s performance who are unable to attend can exchange their tickets for any other of the eight remaining performances and should contact their original ticket purchase location for the exchange.

Ticket holders for tonight’s performance who cannot attend tonight or any of the eight remaining performances should contact AXS Guest Services, the ticketing company for The Arena at Gwinnett Center at 770-626-2464.

Show dates and times:

Thursday, February 26: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 27: 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 28: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 1: 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.FeldEntertainment.com.

###

For purchases made thru gwinnettcenter.com, axs.com, by calling 770-626-2464 or thru Living Social, please contact the Gwinnett Center ticketing company, AXS Ticketing at 770-626-2464 or by e-mailing support@AXS.com.

For all third party ticketing purchases, please contact the outlet in which your purchased your tickets from. For example:

For Groupon purchases, please contact Groupon directly by e-mailing support@groupon.com, by calling 1(888) 375-5777 or by visiting groupon.com/support. Ticket exchanges are for the Thursday 7:30pm show or Friday 10:30am show or you can receive a Groupon credit.
For Goldstar purchases, please contact Goldstar directly by e-mailing help@goldstar.com. Ticket exchanges are for the Thursday 7:30pm show, Friday 10:30am or 7:30pm show, Saturday 11am or 7pm show and Sunday 5pm show.
For Groups Ticket Plus purchases, please contact Groups Ticket Plus directly by e-mailing Duluth@GroupTicketsPlus.com.

ART BEAT: Southern Ballet Theatre presents 'Frozen' and a calendar of summer fun

2015-02-25T16:40:00Z

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

By: Holley Calmes

Published: February 25, 2024

Audiences from Gwinnett and beyond will find Southern Ballet Theatre’s next production somewhat familiar and very appropriate, considering the weather this week. SBT will be presenting “Frozen: A Tale of the Ice Queen” at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth March 6-8.

Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s story “The Snow Queen,” a cast of over 50 dancers will bring the tale to life. The performances will be Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for students and seniors and $11.50 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets at the door are $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for students and seniors and $11.50 for groups of 10 or more. They can be obtained through the Gwinnett Center Box Office, by visiting gwinnettcenter.com or by calling 888-929-7849.

“We are excited to debut this ballet,” Alicia Chitwood, Co-Artistic Director for SBT, said. “The sets and music are so magical. Michele Deedy has done a wonderful job on costumes, and they are just beautiful.”

Caroline Deedy, a senior at Greater Atlanta Christian, will perform the lead role of Elsa. The character of Anna will be danced by Alyssa Watkins, a junior at Central Gwinnett High School. Olaf will be performed by Faith Candino, a junior at Grayson High School. The younger lead roles of Little Elsa and Little Anna will be performed by Emma Hamrick and Nina DeLafosse respectively.

Guest dancers from SBT’s school, Southern Performing Arts Academy, will be performing the roles of Little Olafs, Kingdom Children and Little Ice Men. The cast also includes local young men performing with the dancers in the ballroom scene.

Big plans are in the works for summer dancing fun at SBT. One of the favorite events of the year at the studio is the L.A. Intensive for intermediate and advanced dancers.

“We bring in the magic of Los Angeles and New York to the studio for three days of non-stop classes in hip hop, jazz and contemporary,” Chitwood said. “Past teachers have included Twitch, Joshua Allen, Tracie Stanfield, Lauren Froderman and Adechike.”

The L.A. Intensive will take place June 18-20, and dancers must be ages 10 or up.

The summer also includes an Enchanted Princess Camp for ages three to five and ages six to nine where little dancers become a different princess every day. Ballet, arts, crafts and snacks are a part of the camp. Dates are July 6-10 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and July 13-17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There is also a Broadway Camp for ages six to nine on July 13-17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Ballet intensives include a Rising Star Ballet Intensive for ages nine to 12 on July 27-31 and intensives for ages 11 and up on June 22-25.

For more information about “Frozen,” L.A. Intensive and any summer camp at SBT, visit southernballettheatre.com or call 678-682-9238.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. E-mail her at hcalmes@mindspring.com

Ringling Bros., First Lady Sandra Deal celebrate reading victory at Rockbridge Elementary

2015-02-23T22:00:00Z

By: Curt Yeomans

Published: February 23, 2024

NORCROSS — It wasn’t the Circus McGurkus, but the show at Rockbridge Elementary School Monday may have still been astounding as pep rallies go.

Two hundred third-graders at the school were treated to a visit by Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal and clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus during a circus-themed pep rally that turned the school’s gymnasium into a big top. The festive event was held in celebration of the students reading 3,394 books over a two-week period during a competition hosted by Ringling Bros.

Deal read Dr. Seuss’ “If I Ran the Circus” to the students during the pep rally. The story is about young Morris McGurk’s dreams of running the “astounding” Circus McGurkus in a cleaned up junk yard.

On Friday morning, the three classrooms whose students read the most books will go on a field trip to the circus, which is currently running at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Ringling Bros. will also donate 100 circus-themed books to Rockbridge’s library.

The celebration was originally planned for Feb. 17, but was delayed until this week because of winter weather that plagued the area last week.

Chairwoman Charlotte Nash lays out 'big picture' for Gwinnett's future

2015-02-19T22:00:00Z

By: Curt Yeomans

Published: February 19, 2024

DULUTH — Gwinnett County Chairwoman Charlotte Nash focused on the big picture as she delivered her State of the County address to a crowded room at the Gwinnett Center Thursday.

That picture shows a county which saw its total number of jobs reach a record high last year. It also shows a county where the police department holds the highest level of CALEA accreditation possible and the schools, parks, libraries and hospitals win awards and accolades.

It is also a county that is spending $50 million on transportation improvements, including bridge replacements, road widening work and school safety projects.

“Sometimes we get so focused on individual projects that we forget about the big picture, we forget about opportunities and details, and I want to get everyone focused back on that big picture,” said Nash after her speech.

Although Nash spent a good portion of her speech talking about where Gwinnett is currently, she also presented her vision for where the county is headed.

Among the key points in that vision are efforts to support existing businesses while working to attract new ones, investments made to boost new developments and redevelopments and diverse methods of transportation.

“When I look into the future, I see a grown-up Gwinnett that has literally grown up in areas along our interstates and major thoroughfares where it makes sense,” Nash told a crowd that included county employees, elected officials and business owners.

Other parts of Nash’s vision include seeing Gwinnett Place as the “center of Gwinnett’s downtown,” creating a “booming entertainment and cultural arts district” around the Gwinnett Center and realizing booming gateways to the county at key entry points.

A large part of that future growth will be built on development already seen in the county. While the number of jobs available in Gwinnett last year set a new record, it also showed the county was back at levels not seen in nearly a decade. State labor figures showed the number of jobs in the county totaled “a little over” 326,000 last year, she said.

A chart presented during Nash’s speech showed the county’s previous peak was around 2024. The numbers dropped dramatically over the next few years before bottoming out in 2024 and 2024.

Since then, Gwinnett has been on a steady climb back toward pre-recession figures. That return to form was finally realized in 2024.

“We are a little ahead of where the number were just before the great recession,” Nash said after her speech.

The chairwoman also pointed to future opportunities for growth as businesses, such as Comcast, expand their operations in the county and Eagle Rock completes television production sound stages on Best Friend Road.

But, there are other steps the county is taking to bring future growth to fruition. Nash pointed out the county commission voted earlier this week to buy land which will be used at some point to create a grade-separated interchange for Ga.Highway 316 and Ga. Highway 8 “when the Georgia Department of Transportation has funds to build it.”

Later this year, the county is also set to update its comprehensive transportation plan for the first time in seven years. The new plan will take a 25-year look at transportation needs in the county. That plan will contribute to Nash’s vision for the future.

“I see a range of transportation options to serve the million and a half people who will call Gwinnett home in 25 years and the businesses that will be here,” Nash said.

The successes Nash pointed out in her speech were not much of a surprise to Council for Quality Growth President Michael Paris, who said there are a variety of factors that contributed to growth in the county.

“Gwinnett County continues to be a star in the region,” Paris said. “Quality residential developments, quality schools and amenities that foster a high quality of life continue to be the reason for this county’s success.”

As she concluded her speech, Nash called on different groups in the community, including county staff, municipal and school board leaders, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and business owners, asking if they would support efforts to fulfill her big picture.

All who were called upon said they would help, and many stood up to emphasize the point.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey bring legendary show to Gwinnett

2015-02-19T22:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: February 19, 2024

See interview video HERE

Jonathan Lee Iverson exudes charm and charisma as he steps into the spotlight and with his commanding, rich voice welcomes ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages to “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

The multi-talented performer and exceptional vocalist will again don the iconic top hat during the all new production of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents “LEGENDS,” which will be at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Feb. 19 through March 1. Iverson is both the youngest and first black ringmaster in the history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. He has served as ringmaster for several Ringling productions and received numerous accolades including journalist Barbara Walters naming him one of the ten most fascinating people in 1999.

According to the native New Yorker, the circus is something that has always drawn him.

“The circus has been something that’s just been in my life, like air. It’s just something you did. I’m from New York City, and so of course Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey in particular has a storied history with the city of New York, particularly with Madison Square Garden. It’s one of the oldest presentations to have graced the venue and we’ve had a long relationship,” Iverson said. “Growing up in New York City, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey was something you just did. It was just a part of everyday life, like having a hot dog.”

Iverson began performing at age 11 with the world-famous Boys Choir of Harlem, training intensely for seven years in all forms of music including classical, jazz, hip hop and gospel. He went on to graduate from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School in 1998 with a degree in voice performance. It was shortly after his graduation when Iverson was invited to begin his professional career with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey. Iverson said that he didn’t exactly aspire to be a ringmaster, saying it actually felt sort of strange when he was offered the position.

“It just sounds like somebody is asking you to be a spy or something. It’s not like something you aspire to necessarily. I’ve met people of late who say they want to be Ringmasters maybe since seeing me, but it wasn’t on my vision board, put it that way,” Iverson said. “Thus I’ve scrapped the vision board because that’s a load. Life happens and all you can do is live in your strength, and my strength was my voice.”

Iverson enjoys stepping into the ring to entertain audiences each night and feels it’s an honor to be part of such a prestigious show.

“Stepping into the ring of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey, The Greatest Show on Earth, an American icon, to be the voice of that, the longest running hit show on the face of the Earth, personally and professionally that’s quite the feather in your cap,” Iverson said. “To do that is something that’s never lost on me no matter how early the show or how rigorous the schedule. It’s like, ‘Wow, I do this for a living. I get to be the voice for The Greatest Show on Earth for a living.’ The travel and the show is always different everywhere we go. It’s magic. It’s pure magic.”

Iverson describes the new production “LEGENDS” as Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey’s tribute to its status as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The show features remarkable and legendary acts like animal trainer Alexander Lacey and his big cats, the dynamic Paulo Dos Santos, who is a super athlete at just four feet tall, the Torres family riding eight motorcycles around the 16-foot Globe of Steel, the amazing China National Acrobatic Troupe and the legendary clowns of Clown Alley. Audiences are also able to participate in an all access pre-show party on the arena floor, getting autographs from circus stars, trying on costumes, learning acrobatic skills and juggling with the World Famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clowns.

“We also have the world’s greatest menagerie from rescue dogs to the world’s most beautiful and biggest stars of all our elephants, and we threw in some kangaroos this year and some prancing pigs. We have a wooly mammoth, a pegasus and a unicorn, so it is a legendary event,” Iverson said.

Iverson said he doesn’t place expectations on how people will feel after leaving “LEGENDS” because it’s ultimately up to each individual to decide their own experience.

“One thing I know you will experience is the fact that your imagination is safe at The Greatest Show on Earth. Your families imagination is safe at The Greatest Show on Earth,” Iverson said. “It’s just pure entertainment at the highest level. People are flying, they’re talking to animals and doing these incredible feats that just seem impossible and we make them very possible. It’s like being in a dr

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visits Belk at Mall of Georgia

2015-02-07T22:00:00Z

By: Joshua Sharpe

Published: February 7, 2024

BUFORD — Belk was a circus Saturday. Literally.

Performers from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey stopped by the Mall of Georgia store to promote — and give away tickets to — the Legends show coming to the Arena at Gwinnett Center and Philips Arena this month.

Rob Lok, a clown who goes by the Ambassador of Laughter, a dancer known simply as “Jane” and others treated shoppers young and old to plate-spinning, face-painting and a variety of gags and routines. Jumpy circus music and oldies piped into the store through a small sound system.

At one point, Jane tossed the clown’s hat from the top of an escalator, trying to land it on his head. He caught it with his hands, put it on quickly and walked off, as laughs rose from the small crowd.

The Ambassador and Jane brought up several kids from the audience to teach them to spin plates on sticks. The kids’ reactions ranged from terrified at the surely-to-fall-and-bust plates to glee.

Then there were those like Nnamdi Anaba, a 12-year-old Gwinnett resident. The Nigeria native looked bored as the smiling, painted clown called him up to pass a spinning plate to his sister Kelechi, 9, who would then pass it sister Osi, 6.

The girls seemed much more interested than Nnamdi. They smiled with freshly painted faces as the spinning disk came their way. Kelechi took a moment to pose for a goofy picture with the clown.

Gabriella Girondo, 9, of Lawrenceville had a good time, too, in spite of one of her fears that threatened to ruin everything for a girl hanging around Belk on Saturday.

“I don’t like scary clowns,” Gabriella said.

Luckily for the Ambassador, though, he made the grade.

“I like this one,” Gabriella said. “He has less makeup on.”

The Legends show comes to Philips from Feb. 11 to 16 and the Gwinnett Center from Feb. 19 to March 1.

For more information, visit www.ringling.com.

GWINNETT CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW TICKETING OPPORTUNITIES

2015-02-05T14:46:00Z

For Immediate Release:

Duluth, GA. (February 5, 2024) – Gwinnett Center announced new box office hours and a localized phone number today. The new ticketing opportunities will go into effect on February 5, 2024.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center will extend weekday box office hours from 10:00AM – 5:00PM to 10:00AM – 7:00PM in an effort to help working professionals buy event tickets after traditional business hours.

In addition to the new hours, Gwinnett Center is also launching a new localized ticketing phone number, (770) 626-2464. This phone number is supported by Gwinnett Center’s ticket provider, AXS Ticketing. The call center will offer both English and Spanish speaking representatives, which will provide patrons with better support during the ticket buying process over the phone.

“We always listen to customer comments, and we do our best to meet their needs wherever possible,” said assistant general manager Ron Jackson. “These new ticketing opportunities give us the ability to provide the best service that we can.”

For more information about Gwinnett Center and to see a full list of upcoming events, please visit gwinnettcenter.com.

###

About Gwinnett Center

Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600 square foot grand ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning facility with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. The campus, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, distinguishes itself by hosing a diverse range of events, including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, Lady Gaga, Catalyst Convention, George Strait, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Menopause the Musical, American Idol Live!, Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Michael Bublé, MUSE, and many more. For a full list of events, please visit gwinnettcenter.com for more event information.

About AXS

Developed and operated by AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, AXS is a new digital platform and will serve as AEG’s primary consumer brand. The AXS platform includes AXS.com, a ticketing website, venue web services and database management components.

Gwinnett Center Press Contact:

Jaclyn Miller

770-813-7552

jmiller@gwinnettcenter.com

ART BEAT: Kalaivan Dance and Music Academy brings Hindu culture to Gwinnett

2015-02-04T22:00:00Z

By: Holley Calmes

Published: February 4, 2024

Gwinnett’s increasing cultural diversity will be celebrated with an eye-dazzling production titled “Samarpayami” on Feb. 15 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. The evening of dance, music and song is performed by the professional dancers, alumni and advanced students of the Kalaivani Dance and Music Academy, plus special guest artist Asha Ramesh.

Tickets are $45, $35, $25 and $15 (balcony) and are available by visiting kalaivani.com/samarpayami. The program begins at 3:30 p.m.

The Kalaivani dancers are trained in Bharatha Natyam, South Indian classical dance.

“A Bharathanatyam performance is a visual and aural treat,” Kalaivani representative Padmaja Kelam said. “The performance is an experience for both the mind and the senses. It can be enjoyed at all levels, for sheer enjoyment and to be more thoughtful of how we live our lives. The stories and events portrayed have both a narrative quality and a philosophical depth. Colorful costumes and jewelry are an aesthetic delight. Music and dance are intricately twined together.”

The overall theme of the performance is how the musical notes in Carnatic (Southern Indian) classical music and Numerology relate to Hindu mythology.

The first part of the program is titled “River of 7 Octaves.” Seven musical notes, or swaras, are the basics for Indian music.

“The harmony of nature is reflected in these basic notes. It is said that the notes reflect the sounds of Mother Nature. Each note is said to have a presiding deity. Hence the music originates from the nature surrounding us and makes us realize the magnanimity of nature itself,” Kelam said.

Numbers also play a large part.

“Numbers have a mystique and every religion has its own mythology that is interpreted through numbers,” Kelam said. “When this concept is applied to Hindu mythology, the choice for connections is as many as there are gods and goddesses in the pantheon of Hinduism. The second part of the program, titled ‘Numerology,’ picks up this idea and refers to stories and concepts that exemplify this connection with numbers.”

Kalaivani Academy has brought in a very special vocalist to enhance the production.

“Asha Ramesh is a performer, composer and guru of Carnatic music whose voice will leave a deep impression on every listener,” Kelam said.

Ramesh won the gold medal for excellence at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels at the University of Chennai in India. She has received numerous awards and honors and served as a visiting professor of Carnatic music at the University of California at Berkeley for a number of years.

“Samarpayami” features lyrics written by Dr. Uma Eyyuni, with choreography by Siddarth and Padmaja Kelam. A live orchestra will accompany the performers. Kalaivani is no stranger to Gwinnett audiences. The group has been a favorite at the annual Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Festival each May for many years.

For more information about this performance and the Kalaivani Academy, visit kalaivani.com or call 770-989-1144.

Concert review: Bob Seger rolled out a parade of sturdy hits in Gwinnett

2015-02-01T14:45:00Z

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: February 1, 2024

“Georgia!” Bob Seger bellowed as he took the mic.

That was the only cue the Silver Bullet Band needed to plow into “Roll Me Away.”

Instantly, that familiar rasp coming from that familiar face with the familiar gray beard and familiar uniform of jeans and a black shirt commanded the sold-out crowd at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.

“It’s great to be back!” Seger proclaimed before wrapping his warm rasp around the second song of his two-hour set, the Otis Clay cover, “Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You.”

There was nothing fancy about Seger’s show, but that is precisely how the Michigan maestro – who turns 70 in May – has sold more than 50 million albums in a 45-year career.

His Saturday night concert offered standard video screens flanking the stage, basic-yet-effective lighting, a red curtain backdrop and members in his army of musicians on raised platforms.

What else does a musician and songwriter such as Seger need when he has a few dozen rock hits in his arsenal and a rather solid collection of new songs from his October album, “Ride Out,” to take center stage?

Seger has long been an icon of blue collar rock. And yes, sturdy fare such as “The Fire Down Below” and the snare-drum-smacking (courtesy of Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer) “Her Strut” still resonate because of their timeless simplicity.

But his songs also contain overtones of melancholy and regret, of wistfulness and deep emotion. You hear it in the new song, “All of the Roads,” a midtempo chugger that Seger dedicated to the fans. And, when taken out of overplayed car commercial purgatory and performed as the beautiful ballad that it is, “Like a Rock” remains a deeply meaningful song.

“Old Time Rock and Roll,” meanwhile, remains obscenely overplayed and overrated, but hey, fans love it and Seger, to his credit, happily pranced across the stage while performing it for the 12 billionth time and ceded the spotlight to his Motor City Horns and longtime sax player Alto Reed.

Seger has mentioned that this is possibly his last tour, and it was evident that he was absorbing every joyful moment onstage.

With his floppy snowy-gray bangs held back by a most unfashionable headband that served its purpose and a perpetual grin on his face, Seger presented himself as a gregarious host, quick to point the mic at the crowd for a sing-along or tell a story.

He shared that “We’ve Got Tonight,” on which he played piano, is his mother’s favorite song, and reminisced briefly about his history in Atlanta, reminding fans of the early days playing Richards club and the Electric Ballroom.

That story served as the prelude to the opening bleat of saxophone that is the signature of the moody, thoughtful “Turn the Page,” a song that Seger said always reminded him of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

While he ended the main set with the adrenaline shot of the new “Detroit Made,” a John Hiatt tune that sounds as vital as anything Seger has ever recorded, the two encores played like back-to-back Double Shot Tuesdays on any random classic rock station.

While bathed in a purple hue, Seger strummed an acoustic guitar while bouncy piano from Jim “Moose” Brown propped up “Against the Wind,” which was paired with a locomotive run through of “Hollywood Nights.”

A record-perfect delivery, with just a hint of gruffness, came with “Night Moves.” But “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” ended the night on an apt note.

As Seger sang the tune’s final refrain standing on a platform with his trio of female backup singers, then waved numerous times as he exited the stage, he seemed like a guy content with his legacy.

Opening the show, on their final night of touring with Seger, the J. Geils Band left it all on the stage.

From the first blast of harmonica and guitar for the instrumental “Sno-Cone” through energetic frontman Peter Wolf hopping into the crowd during “Must of Got Lost,” the six-piece outfit showcased their chops as one of rock’s most exemplary bar-bands-turned-stars.

Wolf zipped onstage as the band plowed through “Hard Drivin’ Man,” doing a sideways skitter akin to Steven Tyler’s moves, and never allowed his energy to flag.

Whether unleashing a fast-talking spiel about what rock ‘n’ roll is about or tossing roses into the crowd during “Love Stinks,” the slight 68-year-old with the mop of Howard Stern hair amped up the appreciative crowd with his antics.

Of course, “Centerfold,” the band’s 1982 smash and MTV staple (thanks to its then-risqué, now laughably tame video) and “Love Stinks” were the most recognizable songs to many in the audience. But at heart, the J. Geils Band always was a stinging blues-rock crew, a history well-remembered as Wolf danced in circles during “Detroit Breakdown” as guitars screamed on both sides of him.

North Atlanta Home Show brings experts and deals to Gwinnett Center

2015-01-29T22:00:00Z

By: Staff Reports

Published: January 29, 2024

More 150 home remodeling experts will return to the Gwinnett Center for the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show.

The three-day event, held Feb. 6-8, will feature the latest products and services for home remodeling, interior decorating, landscaping and outdoor living. Shoppers will have the opportunity to comparison shop and speak to experts one-on-one while browsing a variety of exhibitors. There will also be door prizes, buyer discounts, live radio broadcasts and more.

The show will include three days of expert speakers on a variety of home remodeling subjects. Speakers include HGTV’s real estate and décor expert Tonya M. Williams, host of WSB’s “Home Fix-It Show” Dave Baker, HGTV’s Joe Washington and Walter Reeves, the Georgia Gardener.

The North Atlanta Home Show will be open Friday, Feb. 6, from noon to 6 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $8, and are available at the Show’s Ticket Box Office. Children ages 12 and under and adults ages 65 and older, with I.D., are admitted free. Military personnel and First Responders, with I.D., receive a free ticket with the purchase of one general admission ticket. On Feb. 6 only, anyone who works in the home industry will receive free admission to the Show, simply by showing his or her business card at the Show’s main entrance. Gwinnett Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

For more information, visit atlantahomeshow.com.

Bob Seger comes to the Gwinnett Arena

2015-01-29T22:00:00Z

By: Staff Reports

Published: January 29, 2024

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s Ride Out Tour is making a stop at the Gwinnett Arena this Saturday night.

The tour is in support of Seger’s first new studio album in eight years, “Ride Out.” This will be Seger’s most extensive tour since his Face The Promise Tour in 2024. The band’s live performances have led to record sales in excess of 52 million including 13 platinum and seven multi-platinum RIAA-certified album sales awards. Seger holds the distinction in 2024 for the No. 1 Catalog Album of the Decade for his Greatest Hits, which has sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s Ride Out Tour with special guest The J Geils Band will be at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $68 to $98 and are available at www.livenation.com, gwinnettcenter.com, by phone at 1-888-9AXS-TIX or at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office during regular business hours.

For more information, visit bobseger.com or gwinnettcenter.com.

Comic icons Cheech and Chong and multi-platinum band War to play Gwinnett Arena

2015-01-22T22:00:00Z

By: Staff Reports

Published: January 22, 2024

The “Up in Smoke” tour featuring Cheech & Chong and War, is burning a path across the country, making a stop at the Arena at Gwinnett Center this June.

The tour brings a night of music and comedy, featuring all of the multi-platinum selling band War’s timeless catalogue, and Cheech & Chong’s outrageous comedy. The night will begin with War performing their hits such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider” and “Cisco Kid,” with the show progressing into a combination of Cheech and Chong’s most infamous songs, backed up by War, including ““Earache My Eye,” “Basketball Jones” and “Mexican Americans.” The iconic comedians will also perform classic skits such as “Dave’s Not Here,” “Santa Clause and His Magic Dust” and “Sister Mary Elephant.”

The “Up in Smoke” tour featuring Cheech & Chong and War will be on Saturday, June 13, at 8 p.m. at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Tickets will go on-sale Friday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. Tickets range from $38.00 to $78.00 and are available at GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena Box Office or by calling 770-626-2464.

For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com

War and Cheech & Chong will play Gwinnett Center this summer

2015-01-19T22:00:00Z

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: January 19, 2024

It will be one smokin’ night when WAR and Cheech & Chong visit The Arena at Gwinnett Center this summer.

The “Up in Smoke” tour will hit the venue at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets are $35-$75 and on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23 via GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 770-626-2464.

The show will begin with War performing classic rock hits such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Low Rider,” followed by Cheech and Chong offering their most “infamous” songs (backed by War), including “Mexican Americans” and “Earache My Eye.”

The pairing of War and C&C isn’t a new development. The same tour (along with Tower of Power) played Chastain Park Amphitheatre in 2024, but it’s a partnership that apparently keeps on giving.

Last year, War released its first studio album in 20 years, “Evolutionary,” which featured a collaboration with the comedy duo.

CHEECH & CHONG AND WAR TO PLAY THE ARENA

2015-01-19T12:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Up In Smoke tour featuring CHEECH & CHONG and WAR, is burning it up all over the country and plays The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, JUNE 13 at 8PM.

A Night of Music and Comedy You’ll Never Forget, this tour promises to be the "smokiest" night of the year, featuring all of your favorite WAR hits and all of CHEECH & CHONG's outrageous and hilarious comedy. The Up In Smoke tour is a complete integration of WAR's timeless catalogue, and CHEECH & CHONG's no authority brand of comedy and music. The party begins with WAR performing hit after hit such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider” and “Cisco Kid,” with the show progressing into a combination of Cheech and Chong’s most infamous songs (backed up by WAR) such as “Earache My Eye,” "Basketball Jones” and “Mexican Americans” and some of their most iconic comedic skits such as “Dave’s Not Here” “Santa Clause and His Magic Dust” and “Sister Mary Elephant.” Seeing WAR and CHEECH & CHONG jamming together on the same stage, has been described as a genius night of music and comedy.

CHEECH & CHONG's first film, “Up In Smoke," was the highest grossing comedy of 1978 and topped $100 million at the box office. In 2024, the duo made history when comedy partners Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong announced their first reunion tour in more than 25 years, selling out shows from coast to coast. Multi-platinum-selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for more than four decades to millions across the globe. Their hits include “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” “Low Rider,” and many more. WAR performs more than 150 shows a year and the phenomenal group and has been honored twice by its hometown of Los Angeles for making positive contributions to the betterment of the community with its powerful music.

Tickets range from $38.00 to $78.00 and go on sale to the public beginning Friday, January 23 at 10AM at www.GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling (770) 626-2464.

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Fees may apply.

For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

About Gwinnett Center

Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600 square foot grand ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning facility with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. The campus, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, distinguishes itself by hosting a diverse range of events, including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, Lady Gaga, Catalyst Convention, George Strait, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Menopause the Musical, Justin Timberlake, Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Michael Bublé, MUSE, and many more. For a full list of events, please visit gwinnettcenter.com.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager

Phone: 770-813-7552

Cinderella playing at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in March, 2024

2015-01-02T17:00:00Z

www.axs.com

By: Debbie Taylor

Published: January 2, 2024

Cinderella with Live Orchestra, will be playing at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, March 13-15, 2024. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, Ga. 30097. Tickets range from $15.50-$18.50.

Cinderella is a timeless tale, and tells of a young woman's adventure from a lowly servant to a princess. Cinderella tells of the magic of fairy Godmothers and spells of love and also heartaches. It might just remind us that kindness could be the best virtue of all.

Cinderella, or "The Little Glass Slipper" as it is sometimes called, is a European folk tale. Cinderella has come to mean a person whose characteristics have been ignored.

There are many versions and variations of Cinderella. One of the most well known versions is the one originally written in French by Charles Perrault in 1697. The popularity of this version came with his additions of the pumpkin, fairy-godmother and the glass slippers.

There was a widower who took a second wife who was very proud and snobbish. She already had two daughters who were just as arrogant and greedy as she was. The widower and his first wife had had a beautiful daughter. She was good and good natured. The stepmother and stepsisters made a servant of the first daughter. She was made to work day and night doing lowly tasks and chores. She would then go to the cold, empty room she was given. She would lay near the fireplace to keep warm. Often she would arise covered in cinders. thus the nickname Cinderella.

Then, the prince of the land invited all young ladies to a ball. He was planning to choose a wife from among them. The stepsisters planned their wardrobe for the ball and teased Cinderella about not being invited.

Once the sisters left for the ball, Cinderellas Fairy Godmother appears and starts to change Cinderella to prepare her for the ball. She took a pumpkin and turned it into a golden carriage, mice into horses, a rat into a coachman and the footmen were actually lizards. Then she gave her a beautiful dress, and "glass slippers." The Fairy Godmother warned that all spells would be broken at midnight, so she should make sure she is home before midnight.

At the ball, everyone was mesmerized by her beauty. She was so taken with the prince that she lost track of time. She ended up leaving at the last stroke of midnight. As she was leaving, she lost one of her glass slippers. The prince found it and promised to find the girl who wore the glass slipper and marry her.

When the prince tried the slipper on Cinderella, of course it fit perfectly. The prince married her and they lived happily ever after.

Come enjoy an evening of magic and fairy tales. Its great to see one of your childhood stories brought to life on the stage.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents “Legends” at local Arenas

2015-01-01T17:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: January 1, 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages can step right up to see “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey will present “Legends” at both The Arena at Gwinnett Center and Philips Arena this February.

Families will have the opportunity to behold the living legends — a Unicorn, Pegasus, Woolly Mammoth and more. Circus artists from around the world will perform daring stunts, spectacles of strength and wonderous thrills in order to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past.

Audiences are also invited to arrive an hour before the show for the chance to participate in a special, hands-on circus experience. Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages can step right up and be part of the All Access Pre-show party, where they will be invited down to the arena floor to get autographs from circus stars, try on costumes, learn acrobatic skills and juggle with the World Famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown Alley. Participants will also be able to enter for a chance to win an original pachyderm painting created by one of the majestic Ringling Bros. Asian elephants. The All Access Pre-show Party is free to all ticketholders.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey will present “Legends” at Philips Arena in Atlanta Feb. 11-16 and The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth Feb. 19-March 1. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com for Philips Arena shows and gwinnettcenter.com for the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Concert review: Justin Timberlake glides through Gwinnett Center show

2014-12-22T14:38:00Z

www.music.blog.ajc.com

By: MELISSA RUGGIERI

Published: December 22, 2024

The first two days of 2024, Justin Timberlake will cap a world tour that began in November 2024, glided through Atlanta’s Philips Arena in December 2024 and returned for an encore at The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday – the last show of the year for Timberlake and his Tennessee Kids band.

For those who saw last year’s performance, nothing was different on this victory lap except, perhaps, a looser Timberlake, who, if you believe his former ‘N Sync mate Joey Fatone, will also become a dad next year.

As impressive as Timberlake is as a singer, dancer and all-around party host – the back of the floor at the arena housed several stylish bars – he’s almost upstaged by a massive production that is both simple and gargantuan.

When he emerged for the opening “Pusher Love Girl,” Timberlake was a figure dwarfed by the gleaming white backdrop that not only ran the full length of the stage, but snaked into a ceiling that alternately projected video and crisp, clean lighting.

Later in the show, the front part of the Lucite-decorated stage would un-hinge and travel to the back of the arena with Timberlake performing on the move.

His band – at least 15 members, including keyboardist Justin “Bishop” Gilbert from Atlanta – appeared and disappeared through trap doors seemingly at the flick of a switch, as did the white baby grand piano that the multi-talented Timberlake slid behind for “Until the End of Time.”

What Timberlake has mastered after a year on the road with the “20/20 Experience,” a tour that leads the solo performer box office for the year with a gross of more than $203 million, is how to expertly augment his catalog live.

Timberlake’s horn section added another dimension to all of his songs, which can sound overproduced on record, while his instincts led to smart modifications and musical extensions on everything from the rock-soul-gospel fusion of “Cry Me a River” to the Jackson-esque “Suit & Tie”

“My Love” was a combination of his varnished dance moves performed in glistening white sneakers (wouldn’t you love to see a dance off between him and Usher?) and the sound of gritty electric guitar, while the smooth, finger-snapping soul of “Summer Love” proved an adept lead-in to the poppy funk of “Love Stoned.”

Throughout the two-set concert, Timberlake projected a likability and confidence that managed to stay on the right side of smug. He even crooned a few lines of “Georgia on My Mind” in his sweetly soulful voice before noting, “You are not wasting this weekend. Y’all came to party tonight!”

Indeed, the sold-out crowd that spanned generations often shrieked as if they were still witnessing Timberlake in his curly-mopped boy band years instead of the guy seductively raising an eyebrow in “Senorita.”

Timberlake has matured so much as a musician and performer – even during the course of this tour – that it’s no longer a matter of wondering if he’ll be back, but when…and how much better than before.

Justin Timberlake hits high note with final show of 2024 at Gwinnett Arena

2014-12-21T20:49:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: December 21, 2024

DULUTH— The crowd at the Arena at Gwinnett Center erupted in cheer after Justin Timberlake informed them that Saturday’s concert was a very special show.

“It’s our last show of the year. We’ve been on the road for two years, but this is our last show for 2024,” Timberlake said.

The pop singer brought his tour back to Georgia nearly a year after playing Philips Arena. The sold-out show was the last 20/20 Experience performance of 2024. The finale will be a two-show event at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Jan. 1 and 2.

JT and the Tennessee Kids, the singer’s band, back-up singers and dancers, gave last night’s crowd more than just a show — it was an experience. There was a giant textured, projection display behind and above the stage with elaborate lights and pre-recorded movies and images flashing across it. The Tennessee Kids rose up from below the stage, which is no small feat considering it’s quite a large band, with two drum sets, a brass section, multiple keyboards, guitars and four back-up singers. JT was full of passion and energy, bringing all of his boyish charm, charisma and smooth dance moves.

It’s not surprising the pop singer recently snagged the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours List. The report included revenue from the first 10 cities on the final trek of his 20/20 Tour. The sold out performances drew more than 135,000 fans, earning more than $16 million. The tour is in support of “The 20/20 Experience” a two-part album released in 2024 that marked Timberlake’s much anticipated return to music after spending time focusing on his acting career.

The packed Arena followed suit with the tour’s previous success — there wasn’t an empty seat in the house, and everyone was dancing and singing along for the entire two-plus hour show, which included a short intermission. The crowd went wild as the Tennessee native played all his hits including “My Love,” “Suit & Tie” and “Pusher Love Girl.”

The high point of the show was during the second set when the middle of the stage levitated above the crowd, with Timberlake and his singers on it, and then traveled across the Arena. The singer danced back and forth across the moving stage, giving every section of the arena his attention.

The stage stopped at the VIP section in the back where a staircase connected to the stage, allowing Timberlake to walk down and greet his fans, shaking hands and even taking a shot.

The singer paid tribute to both the Kings during the show, playing Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” and Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Timberlake finished up the night on a high note, closing out with “Sexy Back” and “Mirrors.”

Jessie J brightest of the stars at Power 96.1's Jingle Ball in Atlanta

2014-12-21T08:58:00Z

www.examiner.com

By: Andrew Snook

Published: December 21, 2024

The Power 96.1 Jingle Ball took place on Friday night at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth. The iHeartRadio seasonal promotion has become an annual event in Atlanta and while the line-up of artists this year did not have the “star power” of previous editions it was still a great evening of live musical entertainment.

Headlined by T.I. with Calvin Harris, Fall Out Boy, Jessie J., Jeremih, and Hoodie Allen also on the schedule these events are always an entertainment “double-edged” sword. Six acts on one evening’s bill provide a great opportunity to hear a lot of different music but, at the same time, fans only get a small sample of each artist’s catalog. It also becomes a huge exercise in logistics, getting the acts on stage then clearing the stage after the shortened set in preparation for the next act leaves the crowd with a lot of “down time”.

The concert provided a lot of high points with Hoodie Allen’s hip hop starting out the evening. Fall Out Boy provided their normal high-energy performance with Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump leading the way. Calvin Harris and then T.I. provided a great finish to the evening.

The biggest and most pleasant surprise was the performance of Jessie J. She has become a household name in the U.K. but is not as well-known here in the United States. Her brand of pop music that incorporates soul, R&B and some hip hop made for a set that was all too short but expected in the sense of having other acts following her.

While the performers names and crowd was smaller at Gwinnett Arena no-one would have left the Jingle Ball disappointed on Friday night.

Marvel Universe LIVE! comes to arenas

2014-12-17T22:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: December 17, 2024

The Cosmic Cube is the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could destroy the not only the Earth but the entire universe.

#Some of Marvel’s biggest superheroes are joining together, battling infamous villains to protect the cube and save the universe. Atlanta fans will have two opportunities to jump into this exhilarating story of good versus evil at Marvel’s first-ever, live-action arena spectacular “Marvel Universe Live!” The show will be at Philips Arena Dec. 20-22 and The Arena at the Gwinnett Center Dec. 26-28.

The original storyline brings more than 25 Marvel characters, the most ever assembled in one production, together on one epic quest. It’s framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube — the Mighty Thor has shattered the cube to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, and the pieces are scattered all across the globe. Thor’s villainous brother Loki devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only obliterate the Earth but also the entire universe.

To defeat Loki, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man and Wolverine must band together to retrieve the Cosmic Cube fragments and unite them. As the superheroes track the cube, they will encounter some of their biggest adversaries including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Red Skull, Madame Hydra, Aldrich Killian, Electro and more.

The cast features performers from all over the world trained in everything from martial arts to motocross. Stuntman Zach Huber plays Loki in the show and never imagined he’d be acting in a show like “Marvel Universe LIVE!” especially as a villain.

“It’s a different experience just because I never envisioned myself being a villain,” Huber said. “I’ve always idolized actors and wanted to be a stuntman since I was a kid. I thought if I can do stunt work, maybe I can be an actor someday, but if I’m a stuntman, that’s OK. I really enjoy this a lot.”

According to Huber, he doesn’t get to perform a lot of stunts as Loki but really enjoys the few big ones he does.

“Sometimes I get a chance to sub in as the Killian fire guy, so they’ll set me on fire and I’ll walk out,” Huber said. “Loki doesn’t have too many stunts, but the Hulk slam is pretty good.”

Singer and dancer India Holoman plays the part of Storm, from the X-Men series, which has been her dream since childhood.

“Storm’s this like super tall Amazon goddess, and I’ve always been a huge fan just because it made me feel powerful. If she could do it, then I could do it because she looks just like me,” Holoman said. “It was a really huge thing for me — the first time I got to play her and put the costume on and the wig and stand out there in front of people. It was like a dream come true.

“Marvel Universe LIVE!” incorporates a unique blend of aerial stunts, pyrotechnics and cutting-edge special effects that really bring the show to life for audiences. Both Huber and Holoman feel the use of projectors to create the scenery and set the mood really bring the show to life.

“The stage itself is painted in such a way that all the scenes are projected onto it. I don’t know how many exactly, but there’s a ridiculous amount of projectors above the floor that projects these scenes and creates the scenery on stage for every scene,” Huber said. “There’s so many different scenes — from the Extremis lab to Loki’s lair, which is a cave, and being on Hydra Island.”

Holoman, having spent the first eight years of her life living in the Stone Mountain area, is excited the show’s come to her original stomping grounds, especially around the holiday season.

I have a lot of family here and am hoping I get to see everyone,” Holoman said. “I came into the city and was like I’m home. The culture in Atlanta is really great, and I feel like there’s a vibrance to the city. I love Atlanta. I always have.”

For more information about “Marvel Universe LIVE!,” visit marveluniverselive.com.

Country star Eric Church rocks Gwinnett with 'Outsiders Tour'

2014-12-12T04:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: December 11, 2024

DULUTH — Country fans began to gather in the parking lot of the Gwinnett Arena around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, tailgating in preparation for The Chief. Tailgaters played games, shared drinks and socialized excitedly about seeing Eric Church’s Outsiders World Tour.

Joshua Clark is a member of Church’s fan club, The Church Choir, and was excited to see Church for the third time.

“He’s amazing live. The most amazing performer I’ve ever seen. He’s actually one of ‘Rolling Stone’s’ Top 50 Artists to See Live. He’s real country because he tells a story with every song,” Clark said.

Clark was attending the show with his girlfriend Kaiti Spratlin and a few of their friends. Spratlin said she really enjoys the atmosphere at country music concerts.

“It’s a true southern atmosphere. People here are friendly and all having a good time together. We all have the common goal of seeing Eric Church,” Spratlin said.

Spratlin said she was hoping to hear Church play “Like a Wrecking Ball” because that is her and Josh’s song.

Church has been a rising star in Nashville over the past nine years, acquiring a reputation for teetering between the lines of multiple genres from country all the way to metal. The 37-year-old North Carolina native’s progressive musical style was certainly reflected in the concert’s line-up.

The show kicked off in pure rock n’ roll fashion with band Halestorm, who have previously toured with Shinedown, Disturbed, Godsmack and many others. The legendary Dwight Yoakam hit the stage next bringing a more country sound to the night. Yoakam wore his iconic cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes and tight blue jeans. Friends Yvonne Rogers and Melissa Mayfield were excited to see Yoakam for the first time.

“I had his first album on tape. He was really rocking those jeans and boots tonight, and he’s still got those moves,” Rogers said. “I really liked hearing him play ‘Little Sister.’”

Eric Church made his entrance like a true rockstar, walking onto stage alone under a spotlight with a packed arena of fans cheering him on. The 360-degree stage was surrounded with fans as Church started the night by playing “The Outsiders” with flashing lights and a drum set flying in from above the stage.

Last night’s concert came on the heels of Church earning four Grammy nominations, including Best Country Album for “The Outsiders,” Best Country Solo performance for “Give Me Back my Hometown,” Best Country Song for “Give Me Back my Hometown,” which was co-written by Luke Laird, and Best Country Duo/ Group Performance featured on Keith Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up.”

Jingle Ball 2024 brings all-star musicians to Gwinnett

2014-12-12T02:30:00Z

By; Katie Morris

Published: December 11, 2024

A star-studded lineup of musicians is coming to the Gwinnett Arena next Friday for Power 96.1’s third annual Jingle Ball.

This year’s performers include Calvin Harris, Fall Out Boy, T.I., Jessie J and other surprise guest appearances. The Jingle Ball is the season’s largest annual music event that captures the holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app.

In 2024, Calvin Harris released one of the biggest records of the year, “Summer,” and will release his next full length album before the holidays. Fall Out Boy has sold millions of records worldwide and released many chart-topping singles, including, “Dance, Dance,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and their most recent single, “Centuries.”

T.I. has released eight studio albums and several successful singles, such as “Bring Em Out,” “What You Know” and “No Mediocre” featuring Iggy Azalea. The Atlanta native is working on his ninth album, “Paperwork.” Jessie J teamed up with rising diva Ariana Grande and rap’s reigning queen Nicki Minaj for “Bang Bang,” which captured the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ Overall Top Songs Chart and reached gold status within weeks of release.

Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2024 will be on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Tickets prices range from $45 to $85 and are available for purchase at power961.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office, GwinnettCenter.com and 888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information about Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2024, visit gwinnettcenter.com/events/detail/power-961s-jingle-ball.

Eric Church brings Outsiders Tour to Gwinnett

2014-12-03T23:00:00Z

By: Staff Reporters

Published: December 3, 2024

Country singer Eric Church is bringing The Outsiders World Tour to the Gwinnett Arena next Thursday.

Church has built a reputation as a restless, creative force while following an unconventional path to country stardom. The North Carolina native gained popularity with his album “Carolina,” released in 2024. Church’s album “Chief” carried him to Platinum sales status, winning such honors as CMA and ACM Album of the Year awards.

His fourth album, “The Outsiders,” was released last February, delivering his most revealing, personally charged statement. Beyond its diverse approach, the albums recurring lyrical motifs inspired the album’s title and holds considerable personal resonance for Church.

“I’ve always felt like an outsider, and I still feel that way,” Church said in a press release. “That feeling is something that you never lose, no matter how much acceptance you get.”

Eric Church’s The Outsiders World Tour with special guests Dwight Yoakam and Halestorm will be Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Tickets range from $29.50 to $69.50 and are available at www.gwinettcenter.com, the Arena at Gwinnett Center box office or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra to debut 'Christmas Attic' at Arena

2014-12-03T22:30:00Z

By: Staff Reporters

Published: December 3, 2024

The Gwinnett Arena will be rocking with holiday spirit next Wednesday as Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents the live debut of “The Christmas Attic.”

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is performing their rock opera “The Christmas Attic” for the first time ever on their 2024 winter tour, which began on Nov. 13. The original album “The Christmas Attic” was released in 1998 and then re-released as part of “The Christmas Trilogy Box Set” in 2024. The album features one of the band’s most popular songs, “Christmas Canon.”

According to TSO creator, lyricist and composer Paul O’Neill, the first half of the show will include some songs from “The Christmas Attic” that have never been played live — the second half will feature iconic classics and fan favorites, such as “Wizards In Winter,” “Requiem” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.”

“After kicking off the New Year in front of 2 million fans at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, followed by our second European tour, the band felt that a perfect way to end the year would be to perform the only rock opera from the trilogy that has never been seen live,” said O’Neill in a press release. “As I have always said ‘it is fun to write the songs, it is fun to record them, but they are never really completed until we perform them in front of a live arena audience.’”

TSO has sold more than 7 million albums and inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. The band has taken their tour to more than 80 cities worldwide and played to over 7 million people — Billboard magazine named them as one of the top touring artists of the past decade.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Live Debut of The Christmas Attic will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Tickets range from $43.00 to $72.00 and are available at GwinnettCenter.com, the Arena at Gwinnett Center box office or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information about The Arena at the Gwinnett Center, visit gwinnettcenter.com. For more information about Trans-Siberian Orchestra, visit trans-siberian.com.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents 34th annual 'The Nutcracker'

2014-12-03T22:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: December 3, 2024

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has been producing its version of classic ballet “The Nutcracker” for Gwinnett audiences since 1981.

GBT’s 34th annual production returns to the Performing Arts Center Dec. 5-21, bringing the community together in celebration of the holiday season. The show includes all the beautiful dancing, elegant costumes, festive sets, beloved characters and music that make the ballet a holiday classic.

There will be 11 public performances including three shows with recorded music and eight shows with a full live orchestra. There are also five outreach shows, including a Scout show with the special pricing of $9 per ticket today at 7:30 p.m. This year, GBT is also partnering with the Hirsch Academy to present a special sensory friendly performance for children with Austism and other special needs.

GBT’s “The Nutcracker” will again feature community participation. Almost each public performance honors a local municipality, civic or business organization, medical center or private organization. This year, organizations such as Gwinnett Medical Center, Artworks! Gwinnett, New Lawrenceville, Summit Chase Country Club, the Gwinnett Braves and others will enjoy their own “Day at the Nutcraker.” There will also be a different local celebrity playing the role of Mother Ginger, the jolly lady with the big skirt and funny wig in the second act, for each public performance.

For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com or gwinnettballet.org.

Northeast Atlanta Ballet upholds holiday tradition with 'The Nutcracker'

2014-11-26T20:41:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: November 26, 2024

Thanksgiving is over, and the holidays are in full-swing. Northeast Atlanta Ballet is offering people the chance to ring in the season with its classic rendition of E.T.A Hoffman’s tale, “The Nutcracker.”

The company’s 18th annual production of “The Nutcracker” will be at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center through Sunday. Audiences can join Clara and her Nutcracker prince on a magical journey, battling the Mouse King and traveling through the Land of Snowflakes and Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Jennifer Gordon, Artistic Director of Northeast Atlanta Ballet, said the cast and crew are excited to return to the Performing Arts Center for their 18th year.

“It’s one of our favorite shows to do each year. It’s a lot of fun, and there’s a special holiday spirit in building. We see a lot of the same families return each year and have watched kids grow up. It’s a community tradition,” Gordon said.

The family friendly production features the classical music of Tchaikovsky played live by Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s resident orchestra, The Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Trocina. The ballet company has partnered with Gwinnett Symphony for eight years — Gordon said it’s a great partnership because it provides a high-quality artistic experience for audiences while keeping dancers on their toes.

Dancer Mackenzie Cown, a graduating senior, is returning for her sixth “Nutcracker” — this year, she’s dancing the lead roles of Dew Drop and Sugar Plum Fairy. Cown said rehearsals began last September, and she’s been dancing around 25 hours a week to prepare for her roles. She said her motivation and inspiration have come through the Lord.

“When I dance, I want people to see the light of God through me,” Cown said. “Our production is an opportunity for people to step outside of what’s going on in the world. Despite all this bad stuff that is going on out there, there’s still a light and there’s still God. I want to be like him in the way I dance and I want people to see that.”

This year’s “Nutcracker” will include some added touches like brand new, custom costuming for the Snowflakes designed and built in Russia, new Arabian pas de deux and party scene costuming designed and built by MJ Designs and a custom designed sleigh. Local costumer Barbara Mock has been designing and creating costumes for local ballet companies since the ’80s.

“If you’ve seen a local ‘Nutcracker,’ then you’ve probably seen one of my tutus,” Mock said.

Mock designed and built a new Snow Queen tutu and Cavalier costume for Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s production. According to Mock, a lot goes into building a tutu — each one takes about 15 hours of labor and 20 yards of net that’s 60 to 90 inches wide. Since “The Nutcracker” is a yearly tradition for most people, Mock wanted the new Snow Queen tutu to be unique and over the top.

“It’s the prettiest tutu I’ve ever made. Most tutus are all one color, but with this one we alternated blue and white and added sparkle, alternating the way the fabric went on and it’s beautiful,” Mock said. “The Cavalier has to look as good as her, so we used the same fabrics, but he’s more masculine.”

Dancer Emma Button, also a graduating senior, is returning for her 11th “Nutcracker” and will perform the part of Sugar Plum Fairy in the ballet’s second cast. She said one of her favorite things about the show is the fact that it has become a holiday tradition in the community.

“The story itself is surrounded around Christmas and family. We perform it on Thanksgiving, which is also a time for family. I know my family comes together to see the show, and it’s become a tradition,” she said. “It’s a classic story and it’s a joy to see a new, fresh generations dancing it every year. I’m supper excited and can’t wait to see the turn out this year.”

Country singer Brantley Gilbert performs at Gwinnett Arena

2014-11-26T20:39:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: November 26, 2024

Country music lovers can take a break from the hectic holiday season to enjoy a night with Brantley Gilbert. The Georgia native is bringing his Let It Ride Tour with special guests Tyler Farr and Chase Bryant to the Gwinnett Arena tonight.

Gilbert just released his third studio album, “Just As I Am,” last May. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and also scored the third-highest album debut of the year with over 212,000 copies sold in the first week. Brantley has racked up five No. 1 singles, multiple award show nominations and was named 2024 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year. His No. 1 hits include “Country Must Be Country Wide” and the Gold-certified “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”

Brantley Gilbert’s Let It Ride Tour will be at The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $37. The Arena at the Gwinnett Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. For more information, visit brantleygilbert.com or gwinnettcenter.com.

ART BEAT: "A Very Grinchy Christmas" returns and a local chorus wins national recognition

2014-11-20T15:00:00Z

By: Holley Calmes

Published: November 20, 2024

The holidays are filled with performances and events to raise the spirits and celebrate this special time of year. Some of the events are familiar and well loved, such as “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” Yet, there is a bounty of other activities, some which might offer surprises.

For the past five years, Southern Ballet Theatre has offered an alternative to the traditional Nutcracker. “A Very Grinchy Christmas” is a full-length presentation based on the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” With a cast of over 50 dancers, audiences can enjoy this twist on the usual holiday fare.

“Grinchy” will be performed on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Advance tickets are $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for students and seniors, and $11.50 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets at the door are $18.50, $16.50 and $11.50 respectively. They can be purchased at gwinnettcenter.com, by visiting the Gwinnett Center Box office in the Arena Building, or by calling 888-929-7849.

Lead roles include the Grinch, performed by Artistic Director Brandon Chitwood, Cindy Lou-Who, performed by Faith Candino, a junior at Grayson High School, Max, performed by Caroline Deedy, a senior at Greater Atlanta Christian, and Sister Lou Who, performed by Alyssa Watkins, a junior at Central Gwinnett High.

Other cast members include students from Southern Performing Arts Academy, where Southern Ballet Theatre has its home. Guest dancers will perform the roles of Little Who-Girls, Mice and Soldiers.

For those who especially enjoy this annual production, better be sure to attend this year — it’s the last one for a while, at least.

“We would like to thank all of our patrons that have supported ‘Grinchy’ for all 5 years,” Co-Artistic Director Alicia Chitwood said. “We are excited to put ‘Grinchy’ in the SBT vault and debut ‘The Polar Express’ next November 2024.”

On another front, Gwinnett performing arts nonprofit Atlanta Harmony Celebration will be celebrating a little early. AHC, a female barbershop chorus, is coming off a great result from the International Contest and Convention in Louisville, Ky., last weekend. They earned a 10th-place finish and were the only southern group to place this high among the many groups who competed.

AHC Director Kathy Stone said, “This is the first time we’ve broken into the Top 10. There were over 60 choruses competing throughout the year to earn a spot in this contest and, after we won our Area Contest, in the spring, we earned the right to compete on the ‘Big Stage.’ The other nine winners were from the northeastern part of the US.”

Like their fellow Gwinnett-based a capella barbershop harmony group, the Stone Mountain Chorus, AHC is looking for more voices. To find out about their activities and participation, visit the website at www.atlantaharmonycelebration.org.

For information about Southern Ballet Theatre, go to their website at www.southernballettheatre.com.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

The Gala of the Royal Horses comes to Gwinnett Arena

2014-11-20T15:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: November 20, 2024

DULUTH — Lipizzaner Mozart circles around himself in front of the Gwinnett Arena before rearing regally on his hind legs. Rider Christine Drentwitt and expert trainer Rene Gasser both congratulate the Royal Horse for his performance.

Mozart is just one of 14 Royal Horses flown in from across the world to perform at the Arena this Saturday. The Gala of the Royal Horses Inaugural North American tour is an entertainment event combining some of the most beautiful horses in the world with live performers. The Royal Horses of Europe have been favored for centuries by royalty, equestrian riders and bullfighters.

Producer Rene Gasser comes from seven generations of equestrians and has worked alongside some of Europe’s best riders and trainers. He recreated this show, only previously seen at riding schools in Vienna and Spain, for its U.S. debut. Gasser said the debut tour has been very well received both by horse lovers and first-time spectators.

“The audience is just overwhelming. It’s a special audience, a horse audience, they’re very dedicated,” Gasser said. “Most people come and they bring someone along, their wife, grandfather or whoever, and they are surprised that they enjoy it so much. Not just the horses and the costumes but also the music and the whole thing put together. It’s very enjoyable, even if you’re not a horse person.”

The Gala of the Royal Horses celebrates the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds, showing off their athleticism and grace with stunts and maneuvers once used on the battlefield. According to Gasser, the Royal Horses start their training at 3 years old and spend the next three years learning simple stunts, discovering their talents. They are fully-trained and ready to perform around 10 years old. The show also features 24 performers including riders, Spanish flamenco dancers and guitar players.

“We have dancers and musicians. The Andalusian horses will actually be dancing the flamenco dance on boards. It’s just another aspect because you don’t just see them dancing, you hear them. The people love it,” Gasser said.

The Gala of the Royal Horses will be at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $33 to $78 and are available at gwinnettcenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com/events.

Barry Manilow will bring his ‘One Last Time!’ tour to Gwinnett in 2024

2014-11-19T15:00:00Z

www.facebook.com/barrymanilow

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: November 19, 2024

Attention, Fanilows! Your guy is hitting the road “One Last Time!” and heading to the Atlanta area on June 4.

Barry Manilow is playing sporadic dates between February and June with his 13-piece band and will visit The Arena at Gwinnett Center this summer. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. June concert are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 24, with prices ranging from $19.75-$129.75.

Since his lengthy Vegas run from 2024-2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances, though he did play the Gwinnett Center in April 2024, a few months before his musical, “Harmony,” opened at the Alliance Theatre.

“We’re having a great time putting the show together,” Manilow said in a statement. “We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster.”

The tour will wrap in his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 17.

Manilow also explained the title of the tour, which gives fans a pretty broad message that they should probably catch him live while they can.

It is, he said, “my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!”

Tickets for the Gwinnett date can be purchased at the venue box office, by calling 1-888-929-7849 or via gwinnettcenter.com.

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Here is the complete list of Manilow tour dates.

Feb. 11 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center
Feb. 12 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Feb. 14 Chicago, IL United Center
Feb. 15 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills
Feb. 24 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center
Feb. 26 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center
Feb. 27 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center
Mar. 1 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Mar. 26 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center
Mar. 28 Mashantucket, CT The Grand Theater at Foxwoods
Apr. 8 Phoenix, AZ Gila River Arena
Apr. 10 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
Apr. 11 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
Apr. 14 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center
Apr. 17 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Arena
Apr. 18 San Jose, CA SAP Center at San Jose
Apr. 20 West Valley, UT Maverik Center
May 26 Vancouver, B.C. Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
May 27 Seattle, WA Key Arena at Seattle Center
May 28 Portland, OR Moda Center at the Rose Garden
June 4 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center
June 5 Louisville, KY KYC! Yum Arena
June 6 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
June 13 Philadelphia, PA The Wells Fargo Center
June 14 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
June 16 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 17 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Barry Manilow Announces He’ll Hit The Road ONE LAST TIME!

2014-11-19T13:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Los Angeles, CA (November 19, 2024) – Barry Manilow announced today that he is going to “hit the road” and perform concerts across North America ONE LAST TIME! The music legend will play The Arena at Gwinnett Center on June 4 with the ONE LAST TIME! Tour!

With his band of 13 musicians and singers, Manilow said, “We’re having a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.”

After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2024 through 2024, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The ONE LAST TIME! Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, “is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!”

The GRAMMY®, TONY®, and EMMY® Award-winning musician’s career skyrocketed to superstardom when his mega hit song, “Mandy,” topped the charts in 1975. In the spirit of that special year, tickets will be priced to tie into that year and will start at $19.75. According to concert promoter AEG Live, Manilow insisted that the average ticket price remain low and that a greater range of ticket prices be available.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, November 19 at 12pm noon (local) in most markets.

Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Monday, November 24 at 10AM at www.GwinnettCenter.com, www.aeglive.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

General information about the ONE LAST TIME! Tour is available at www.manilow.com.

Exclusive VIP Packages will be available. In addition to great seats, VIP packages include limited edition memorabilia, VIP parking, and much more!

Manilow released his latest album, MY DREAM DUETS, on October 27. The album debuted at #4 and is Manilow’s 15th Top 10 album. Modern technology has given Manilow the opportunity to record his “dream” duets with his own musical heroes on his latest album. From cherished idols like Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong to contemporary icons like Whitney Houston and John Denver, they have all joined Barry in his “virtual recording studio.” MY DREAM DUETS is in stores now.

Barry Manilow’s ONE LAST TIME! Tour Dates:

Date City Venue On-Sale

Feb. 11 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center Nov. 24

Feb. 12 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center Nov. 24

Feb. 14 Chicago, IL United Center Nov. 24

Feb. 15 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills Dec. 5

Feb. 24 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center Nov. 24

Feb. 26 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center Nov. 24

Feb. 27 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center Nov. 24

Mar. 1 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena Nov. 24

Mar. 26 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center Nov. 24

Mar. 28 Mashantucket, CT The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Nov. 24

Apr. 8 Phoenix, AZ Gila River Arena Dec. 5

Apr. 10 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena Dec. 5

Apr. 11 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center Nov. 24

Apr. 14 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center Nov. 24

Apr. 17 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Arena Nov. 24

Apr. 18 San Jose, CA SAP Center at San Jose Nov. 24

Apr. 20 West Valley City, UT Maverik Center Nov. 24

May 26 Vancouver, B.C. Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena Nov. 28

May 27 Seattle, WA Key Arena at Seattle Center Dec. 5 Noon

May 28 Portland, OR Moda Center Nov. 24

June 4 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center Nov. 24

June 5 Louisville, KY KYC! Yum Arena Nov. 24

June 6 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena Nov. 24

June 13 Philadelphia, PA The Wells Fargo Center Nov. 24

June 14 Newark, NJ Prudential Center TBD

June 16 Boston, MA TD Garden Nov. 24

June 17 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center TBD

ONE LAST TIME! Tour is a co-production of AEG Live and STILETTO Entertainment.

About Barry Manilow:

Barry Manilow's unparalleled career encompasses virtually every area of music, including performing, composing, arranging and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has triumphed in every medium of entertainment. With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with over 50 Top 40 hits.

For more information on Barry Manilow please visit:

www.manilow.com

www.twitter.com/barrymanilow

About AEG Live:

AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Live is comprised of touring, festival and special event divisions, seventeen regional offices and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Cher, Ed Sheeran, Enrique Iglesias, George Strait, Hunter Hayes, J Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, Pitbull, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, The WHO, Trey Songz and Juanes. The company is also currently producing residency shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas including Celine Dion, Shania Twain and Rod Stewart and is the exclusive promoter at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to Stagecoach Country Music Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. www.aeglive.com

About Gwinnett Center:

Local Press Contact:

Gwinnett Center Press Contact

Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager

Phone: 770-813-7552

JUST ANNOUNCED: Gwinnett Center Announces 3rd Annual International Film Festival

2014-11-06T18:27:00Z

Just Announced:

GWINNETT CENTER ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

JULY 31 – AUGUST 2, 2024

Film Submissions Open: Friday, November 7, 2024

Tickets On-Sale: May 2024

Duluth, GA., 11/06/14 — Gwinnett Center announced today that they will host the third annual International Film Festival, July 31 – August 2, 2024. This festival celebrates the efforts of local, independent filmmakers, while providing awareness of filmmakers from across the country and internationally. This festival is open to filmmakers of any age.

For the third annual international film festival, a new category of animation has been added to include awards for Best Animated Short Film and Best Direction of an Animated Short Film. Additionally, there will be more dedicated networking events, workshops and panel discussions throughout the festival.

Submissions for the Gwinnett Center International Film Festival will open Friday, November 7, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. Independent films must be submitted by the filmmaker through www.withoutabox.com or www.filmfreeway.com. The early-bird deadline is May 15, 2024, and the final deadline for film entries is July 4, 2024.

“We are excited to be hosting the third annual Gwinnett Center International Film Festival,” said Selina Branstetter, Performing Arts Center Manager, “and I am thrilled with the great response and support Gwinnett County has shown over the previous year as we continue to grow the success of the festival.”

Awards will be presented to the most innovative and artistic filmmakers in a variety of categories. There will be a special honor for local, student-made films. All awards will be presented during closing ceremonies on Sunday, August 2, 2024.

One day or weekend passes go on-sale May 2024. Passes range from $8.00 - $15.00 for day passes and $30.00 for weekend passes.

Please visit www.gcifilmfest.com for more information on the Gwinnett Center International Film Festival

# # #

About Gwinnett Center: Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat Arena, a 700 seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, and a 21,600 square foot Grand Ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. Go to gwinnettcenter.com for more event information.

Gwinnett Center Press Contact:
Jaclyn Miller
Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552
jmiller@gwinnettcenter.com

Bob Seger to play Gwinnett Arena

2014-10-30T21:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: October 30, 2024

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band announced that their Ride Out Tour will make a stop at the Gwinnett Arena this January.

The tour is in support of Seger’s first new studio album in eight years,”Ride Out.” This will be Seger’s most extensive tour since his Face The Promise Tour in 2024. The band’s live performances have led to record sales in excess of 52 million including 13 platinum and seven multi-platinum RIAA-certified album sales awards. Seger holds the distinction in 2024 for the No. 1 Catalog Album of the Decade for his Greatest Hits, which has sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s Ride Out Tour with special guest The J Geils Band will be at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. at www.livenation.com, gwinnettcenter.com, by phone at 1-888-9AXS-TIX or at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office during regular business hours.

Bob Seger fan club members will have special access to purchase tickets in advance starting Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. To become a member of the Bob Seger fan club, visit www.BobSeger.com. Citi card members will have special access to pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5th at 4 p.m. through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete details on Citi’s pre-sale, visit citiprivatepass.com.

For more information, visit bobseger.com or gwinnettcenter.com.

BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND RIDE OUT TOUR with very special guest THE J. GEILS BAND

2014-10-30T12:55:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Atlanta, GA – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will hit the road in support of Seger’s first new studio album in eight years, RIDE OUT, with their 2024 / 2024 RIDE OUT TOUR. This will include a stop in Atlanta at The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, January 31st at 7:30PM with very special guest The J. Geils Band!

This tour will be Seger’s most extensive since 2024/2007 Face The Promise Tour and will give Seger & his Silver Bullet Band the opportunity to perform once more for fans across the US and Canada including stops in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Cleveland, Atlanta, Pittsburgh Buffalo, Toronto, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix.

Bob Seger fan club members will have special access to purchase tickets in advance starting Wednesday, November 5th at 10:00AM. To become a member of the Bob Seger fan club, visit www.BobSeger.com.

Citi® card members will have special access to pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday November 5th at 4:00PM through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete details on Citi’s pre-sale, visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Tickets go on-sale to the general public on Friday, November 7th @ 10AM at www.livenation.com, gwinnettcenter.com, charge by phone at 1-888-9AXS-TIX or at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office during regular business hours.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s live performances have led to record sales in excess of 52 million including 13 platinum and seven multi-platinum RIAA-certified album sales awards. Seger holds the distinction in 2024 for the #1 Catalog Album of the Decade for his Greatest Hits, which has sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. alone.

For more information, visit www.bobseger.com.

Produced by Live Nation.

Local Press Contact:

Live Nation

Holli Mattison

Phone: 404-364-4268

E-Mail: hollimattison@livenation.com

Gwinnett Center Press Contact

Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager

Phone: 770-813-7552

Heavy metal icons Judas Priest play Gwinnett Arena

2014-10-24T14:12:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: October 22, 2024

Heavy metal band Judas Priest has been making music for over 40 years, becoming pioneers in the genre and earning lead singer, Rob Halford, the nickname “The Metal God.” Next Tuesday night, fans will be able to see a culmination of the band’s long running career at their “Redeemer of Souls Tour” at the Gwinnett Arena.

#Judas Priest was formed in the early ’70s and gained popularity throughout the ’80s releasing all-time classic albums such as “British Steel,” “Point of Entry,” “Screaming for Vengeance” and “Defenders of the Faith.” The albums generated a number of enduring metal anthems including “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “Heading Out to the Highway” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming.”

#There has been some turnover in the band’s membership throughout the years — current members include lead singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, guitarist Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis.

#This tour is in support of the band’s 17th studio album “Redeemer of Souls,” released in July. Their previous album, “Nostradamus,” is a dual disc concept album about the 16th-century French writer. It was released in 2024 and peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200.

#Hill said their new album reaches back to their earlier sound and incorporates that into the new tracks.

#“Our previous album, ‘Nostradamus,’ was a concept album. This one is really a follow-up to ‘Angel of Retribution.’ On the Epitaph Tour, we tried to fit a song in from each album and delve all the way back to 1974, and I’m sure some of that stuck and it was still there,” Hill said. “There are tracks that hint at what we did previously. We tried to fit in all the components from lighter, quieter to heavier with a commercial song or two. We had 22 songs, which was too many to put on a single album, which is why we ended up with the mini disc. It wasn’t because they were inferior tracks, but because it didn’t all fit on one album. It was too good to discard and we didn’t want it to be forgotten, so that’s why there’s a deluxe version of the album and a mini disc.”

#Hill said Atlanta audiences can expect a classic Judas Priest concert on Tuesday with a good mixture of old and new material.

#“The set list is a mixture of old and new, as always. It’s always a bit of a nightmare putting together a set list and choosing from over 200 songs because, no matter what, you end up leaving someone’s favorite out. We have 4 new songs to play, a few old ones we haven’t played in a while and some favorites — this will be a typical Priest show with lots of entertainment,” Hill said. “We’re looking forward to playing there. It’s a great show and I know we can’t wait to come play. We’ve been very lucky because people have followed us through thick and thin and without them, we wouldn’t be there, so we owe them a debt of gratitude.”

#Judas Priest will be at The Arena at Gwinnett Center on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $36 to $56 and available at gwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX.

"The Gala of the Royal Horses" comes to Arena for the first time

2014-10-22T20:27:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: October 22, 2024

The world-renowned equestrian tour “The Gala of The Royal Horses” is coming to the Gwinnett Arena for the first time this November.

Audiences will be able to experience the splendor and majesty of the Royal Horses for the first time as the show also makes its U.S. debut. The Royal Horses of Europe are some of the most celebrated in history, favored for centuries by royalty, equestrian riders and bullfighters — this performance will celebrate the tradition, athleticism and grace of these revered creatures.

The Gala of the Royal Horses will feature a number of performances involving the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds. The event is dedicated to showing off not only the amazing beauty but also maneuvers these horses are capable of including “The Airs Above the Ground” once used on the battlefield.

“The Gala of the Royal Horses” will be at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Tickets are $33 to $78, and a limited number of VIP seats are available. Tickets are available at gwinnettcenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX.

Gwinnett Center Is Honored With ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award

2014-10-21T21:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GULF SHORES, Ala. (Oct. 21, 2024)—It is with honor that the publishers and editors of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, present Gwinnett Center with a 2024 Readers’ Choice Award.

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that Gwinnett Center has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Publisher J. Talty O’Connor. “The value in receiving this prestigious recognition is that it comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have contributed in determining that Gwinnett Center indeed displays the commitment to professionalism, creativity and service that they require.”

Gwinnett Center is among 175 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events. The nominated sites are then compiled onto an online ballot where meeting professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. More than 4,800 voters participated this year in the selection process - the highest vote count ever recorded.

Since creation in 2024, this is the second time that Gwinnett Center has received the award, making it an even greater honor to present it with a 2024 Readers’ Choice Award.Gwinnett Center will be featured as an award recipient in the December 2024 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine. This exciting issue will also showcase some of the most talented meeting professionals in the nation as ConventionSouth also presents planners with its annual “Meeting Professionals To Watch” designation. “Featuring peer advice and trade secrets from our Meeting Professionals to Watch in 2024, our Awards Issue is one of the most popular must-read resources within the meetings industry,” O’Connor said.

Celebrating over 30 years as a leading meeting planning resource, ConventionSouth magazine is based in Gulf Shores, Ala., and is distributed to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country who book meetings held within the South, according to O’Connor.

A complete list of award winners can be found online at:
http://www.conventionsouth.com/2014_readers_choice_awards.htm

The ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award logo is available for use at
http://www.conventionsouth.com/custom/Image/RCAnobacklowrez.jpg

About Gwinnett Center:

Gwinnett Center Press Contact
Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552

Gwinnett Arena hosts two big concerts next week

2014-10-15T21:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: October 15, 2024

The Arena at Gwinnett Center will host two big concerts back-to-back next week — starting with pop music sensations Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull followed by country music star Jake Owen.

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull will bring the Sex and Love World Tour to the Arena Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $129.50.

Iglesias’ first album, “Enrique Iglesias,” was released in 1995 and sold more than a million copies in three months and to date has sold more than six million worldwide. In 2024 he pre-released four singles — “Loco” featuring Romeo Santos, “Heart Attack,” “El Perdedor” featuring Marc Antonio Solís and “I’m a Freak” featuring Pitbull all of which charted. The full album, “Sex and Love,” was released last March.

Jake Owen will bring his Days of Gold Tour with special guests Eli Young Band and The Cadillac Three to the Arena on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $39.50.

Owen’s released his debut album “Startin’ with Me,” featuring the popular singles “Yeehaw” and “Something about a Woman” in 2024. His fourth and most recent album “Days of Gold,” featuring the singles “Days of Gold” and “Beachin’,” was released in 2024.

Tickets are available at GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com/events.

The Who will bring 50th anniversary tour to The Arena at Gwinnett Center

2014-10-10T18:05:00Z

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: October 10, 2024

The 50 years of The Who bringing us enough classics for round-the-clock radio play will be celebrated with “The Who Hits 50” tour, which will launch in the U.S. in April and play The Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:30 p.m. April 23.

The show is described by Pete Townshend as “Hits, Picks, Mixes and Misses” and will feature the band playing all their classic anthems as well as tackling deeper cuts from their catalog.

Tickets for the Gwinnett date are on sale at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Citi cardmembers will have presale access beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13.

Tickets, priced at $39.50-$139.50, can be purchased at gwinnettcenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center box office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey, the two surviving members of the band, also celebrating the milestone anniversary with the “Who Hits 50!” greatest hits set, including the new song, “Be Lucky.” That release arrives Oct. 27.

THE WHO HITS 50! 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR SET FOR NORTH AMERICA IN 2024

2014-10-10T17:45:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE WHO HITS 50!

50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR

SET FOR NORTH AMERICA IN 2024

PLAYING APRIL 23 AT THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 9:00 A.M.

SET LIST TO INCLUDE ICONIC SONGS:

“WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN,” “MY GENERATION,”

“BABA O’RILEY,” “WHO ARE YOU,”

“I CAN’T EXPLAIN,” “PINBALL WIZARD” AND

“BEHIND BLUE EYES”

THE WHO, one of rock’s most legendary and defining bands, will celebrate their 50-year legacy when they bring their “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour to North America in 2024. “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour will play The Arena at Gwinnett Center on April 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 17 at 9:00 AM (local time) at www.thewho.com. “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour is being presented by AEG Live.

Set lists on these shows will take their audience on an “Amazing Journey” through THE WHO’s entire career, from the band’s early days to classic albums including WHO’S NEXT, TOMMY, QUADROPHENIA, MY GENERATION and LIVE AT LEEDS, through the present day.

Citi is the official credit card of “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets for the U.S. dates beginning Monday, October 13 at 10:00 AM through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Exclusive VIP packages for the “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour includes reserved tickets with amazing seats, special access to THE WHO’S VIP preshow soundcheck, pre-show VIP parties, autographed limited edition memorabilia and much more. Additional details on tickets and VIP packages can be found at www.thewho.com. In addition, $1 from each ticket sold on “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour will benefit Teen Cancer America (www.teencanceramerica.org).

Tickets on-sale Friday, October 17 at 9:00 A.M. Buy tickets at gwinnettcenter.com, The Arena box office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

“From the band’s first hit single ‘I Can’t Explain’ to pioneering the rock opera with Tommy, The Who is one of the most influential and storied bands of our time,” said Jennifer Breithaupt, SVP of Entertainment Marketing for Citi. “This will be one of the most anticipated tours of 2024 and we are delighted to be able to offer Citi cardmembers early access to see this legendary band perform.”

The classic songs fans can expect to hear on “THE WHO HITS 50!” tour will appear on the band’s forthcoming WHO HITS 50! collection. Set for an October 27, 2024 release on Geffen/Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), this definitive collection of THE WHO’s greatest tracks--from their very first recordings as The High Numbers right up to the present day with the brand new track “Be Lucky”--is being released to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary tour.

The show--described by PETE TOWNSHEND as--“Hits, Picks, Mixes and Misses” will see the band play all their classic anthems as well as tackling deeper cuts from their catalog.

“This is the beginning of the long goodbye,” says ROGER DALTREY of the upcoming tour.

PETE TOWNSHEND commented, “Trying to stay young. Not wearing socks. Growing a great big Woodcutter's beard. Might even wear a check shirt on stage and get a tattoo of a Union Jack. Always a fashion victim. But under no illusions. We are what we are, and extremely good at it, but we're lucky to be alive and still touring.”

THE WHO have sold over 100 million records since forming in 1964; they brought together four different personalities and in effect produced a musical hurricane. Each of them was a pioneer. Wildman drummer Keith Moon beat his kit with a chaotic elegance; stoic bassist John Entwistle held down the center with the melodic virtuosity of a solo guitarist; raging intellectual Pete Townshend punctuated the epic universality of his songs with the windmill slamming of his fingers across his guitar strings; and Roger Daltrey roared above it all with an impossibly virile macho swagger. They exploded conventional rhythm and blues structures, challenged pop music conventions, and redefined what was possible on stage, in the recording studio, and on vinyl. As they enter their 50th year, the band is still going strong, winning rave reviews for their performances of QUADROPHENIA in 2024.

THE WHO’s 2024 North American tour dates are as follows:

DATE CITY VENUE

2015 Tour Dates – Leg 1

Wed 4/15 Tampa, FL Amalie Arena

Fri 4/17 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena

Sun 4/19 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

Tue 4/21 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

*Thu 4/23 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center

Mon 4/27 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center

Wed 4/29 Houston, TX Toyota Center

Sat 5/2 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Tue 5/5 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

Thu 5/7 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Sat 5/9 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Arena

Mon 5/11 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Wed 5/13 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena

Fri 5/15 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Sun 5/17 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Wed 5/20 Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum

Fri 5/22 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall

Sun 5/24 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

Tue 5/26 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center

Sat 5/30 Forest Hills, NY Forest Hills Stadium

*On sale Friday, October 17 at 9:00 AM

2015 Tour Dates – Leg 2

Mon 9/14 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center

Wed 9/16 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Sat 9/19 Las Vegas, NV Colosseum at Caesars

Palace

Mon 9/21 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center

Wed 9/23 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

Fri 9/25 Portland, OR Moda Center

Sun 9/27 Seattle, WA KeyArena

Tue 9/29 Vancouver, BC Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena

Thu 10/1 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome

Sat 10/3 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

Tue 10/6 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre

Thu 10/8 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre

Sat 10/10 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Tue 10/13 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center

Thu 10/15 Chicago, IL United Center

Sat 10/17 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena

Mon 10/19 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Wed 10/21 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Fri 10/23 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Sun 10/25 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Tue 10/27 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Thu 10/29 Boston, MA TD Garden

Sun 11/1 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Wed 11/4 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

ABOUT AEG LIVE

ABOUT CITI PRIVATE PASS

Citi Private Pass, the bank’s entertainment access program, offers Citi credit and debit cardmembers access to purchase tickets to thousands of events annually. In 2024, Citi offered cardmembers more than 5,000 events, ranging from preferred tickets and early ticket access to top concert tours to curated special events with Grammy® award-winners and VIP experiences including pre-show performances and Q&A. Last year, Citi sponsored the Rolling Stones' 50 & Counting Tour mobile app. In addition, Citi presented "Katy Perry's: We Can Survive" benefit concert and exclusive cardmember pre-show experience at the famed Hollywood Bowl. Other experiences have featured artists such as Lady Gaga, John Legend, One Direction, Luke Bryan, and more.

About Gwinnett Center:

Gwinnett Center Press Contact
Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552

Power 96.1’s announces all-star lineup for Jingle Ball 2024 at Gwinnett Arena

2014-10-07T21:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: October 7, 2024

Power 96.1 announced a star-studded lineup for its third annual Jingle Ball 2024 at the Gwinnett Arena in December.

This year’s performers will include Calvin Harris, Fall Out Boy, T.I., Jessie J. and other surprise guest appearances. The Jingle Ball is the season’s largest annual music event that captures the holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app.

Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2024 will be on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m., and prices range from $45 to $85. Tickets will be available for purchase at power961.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office, GwinnettCenter.com and 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

In 2024, Calvin Harris released one of the biggest records of the year, “Summer” and will release his next full length album before the holidays. Fall Out Boy has sold millions of records worldwide and have released many chart-topping singles, including, “Dance, Dance,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and their most recent single “Centuries.”

T.I. has released eight studio albums, and numerous several successful singles, such as “Bring Em Out,” “What You Know” and “No Mediocre” featuring Iggy Azalea. The Atlanta native is working on his ninth album “Paperwork.” Jessie J teamed up with rising diva Ariana Grande and rap’s reigning queen Nicki Minaj for “Bang Bang,” which captured the number one spot on iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and reached Gold status within weeks of release.

For more information about Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2024, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

Power 96.1’s JINGLE BALL 2024 RINGS IN THE SEASON WITH ANNUAL STAR-STUDDED HOLIDAY CONCERT

2014-10-06T21:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Top Recording Artists Calvin Harris, Fall Out Boy, T.I. and Jessie J in All-Star Lineup

Friday, December 19 at The Arena at Gwinnett Center

Atlanta, GA (October 6, 2024) – Power 96.1 today unveiled the star-studded lineup for its annual holiday concert, Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2024 on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. EST at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2024 is the season’s biggest annual music event that captures the holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app.

Power 96.1 officially announced the all-star performers for Jingle Ball 2024, which will include Calvin Harris, Fall Out Boy, T.I. and Jessie J, with other surprise guest appearances. Tickets start at just $45.00*, and will go on sale Friday, October 10, at 10 a.m. via www.power961.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office, GwinnettCenter.com, or call 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

For up-to-minute information on Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2024 log on to www.power961.com or listen to Power 96.1 on-air or online via the station’s website, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app, iHeartMedia’s all-in-one music streaming and digital radio service. iHeartRadio is available across web, mobile phones, tablets, automotive partners, smart TVs, gaming devices and more. iHeartRadio is always free for listeners to use, with no capped hours or monthly subscription fees. It delivers everything listeners want in an all-in-one platform: Instant access to more than 1,500 radio stations from across the country, user-created Custom Stations inspired by a favorite artist or song, thousands of curated digital stations "Perfect For" any mood or activity, and a Shows & Personalities feature giving users access to the best on-demand news, talk and entertainment content available today. To see all available platforms and to download the app, visit iHeartRadio.com/apps.

Artists and/or event subject to change or cancellation without notice.

*Tickets are subject to additional facility fees and ticketing service charges

About iHeartMedia Atlanta:

iHeartMedia Atlanta owns and operates WBZY-FM; WGST-AM; WRDA-FM; WUBL-FM; WWPW-FM; and is part of iHeartMedia. With 245 million monthly listeners in the U.S., iHeartMedia has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. iHeartMedia serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company's radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company's radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. iHeartMedia is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at www.iHeartMedia.com.

About Gwinnett Center:

Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600 square foot grand ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning facility with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. The campus, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, distinguishes
itself by hosting a diverse range of events, including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, Lady Gaga, Catalyst Convention, George Strait, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Menopause the Musical, American Idol Live!, Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Michael Bublé, MUSE, and many more. For more information about events on Gwinnett Center’s campus, please visit gwinnettcenter.com/events .

iHeartMedia Press Contact:
Melissa Krinsky

iHeartMedia Atlanta

E-mail: melissakrinsky@iheartmedia.com

Gwinnett Center Press Contact
Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552

‘Marvel Universe Live!’ brings beloved characters to life with thrilling stunts

2014-09-27T21:00:00Z

www.gwinnettdailypost.com.com

By: Katie Morris

Published: September 27, 2024

Fans have been reading Marvel comic books for decades and watching superheroes like Spider-man, Captain America and Iron Man sweep the box office and set records. Now, for the first time ever, audiences will get the chance to experience their favorite Marvel characters live and in-action.

Marvel’s first-ever, live-action arena spectacular “Marvel Universe Live!” puts fans right in the middle of an exhilarating battle of good versus evil. Atlanta fans will have two opportunities to catch the highly anticipated show, because it will be at Philips Arena Dec. 20-22 and The Arena at Gwinnett Center Dec. 26-28.

“Marvel Universe Live” has an original story that brings more than 25 Marvel characters, the most ever assembled in one production, together on one epic quest. It’s framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe. The Mighty Thor has shattered the cube to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, and the pieces are scattered all across the globe. Thor’s villainous brother Loki devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only obliterate the Earth but also the entire Universe.

To defeat Loki, Marvel’s biggest super heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man and Wolverine, must band together to retrieve the Cosmic Cube fragments and unite them. As the super heroes track the cube, they will encounter some of their biggest adversaries including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Red Skull, Madame Hydra, Aldrich Killian, Electro and more.

A unique blend of aerial stunts, pyrotechnics and cutting-edge special effects really bring the show to life for audiences. The cast features performers from all over the world trained in everything from martial arts to motocross.

Featured performers include professional snow-skater and three-time X Games champ Phil Smage as Captain America, martial arts expert and AAU Junior Olympics/National Champion Kirk Jenkins as Wolverine. There will also be WMX Pro National Champion and two-time X Games winner Ashley Fiolek as Hydra Agent and 2024 X Games Silver Medalist Louise Forsley as Black Widow.

Gymnast Taylor Hemmeter plays a number of supporting roles including one of the Shield Agents battling Black Widow in the beginning of the show. She said the cast underwent a rigorous training and rehearsal schedule before opening the show.

“We spent three months at a huge training warehouse in Florida where we rehearsed six days a week for eight to 12 hours a day learning fight scenes, getting fitted for costumes and doing character research. We learned mannerisms. It was very detailed,” Hemmeter said. “The process was very long and intensive, but we were all there learning the show from the ground up. A lot of times you don’t get to build a show together from the very beginning.”

Hemmeter finds the show inspiring because of all the strong, dominant female characters featured throughout the show.

“I think so many of the Marvel movies that have come out recently have been mostly about the guys. The female characters in this show are so incredibly strong, and they do a lot of the heavy lifting work during the fight scenes,” Hemmeter said. “I think it’s great because it’s not just little boys who are into these super heroes, it’s girls, too. I love looking out at the audience and seeing little girls cheer for Black Widow, Captain Marvel and Madame Hydra.”

Albany native Bernard Lyght’s specialties are acrobatics and motorcycles — he plays a Chitauri, an evil alien, and is also Spider-Man’s understudy. He is looking forward to coming back to Georgia this December and has family coming to see him perform at the Gwinnett Arena.

“It honestly feels really good to be coming back home. We’ve spent a lot of time in big cities with tall buildings, and I can’t wait to get back to the country,” Lyght said.

Lyght feels “Marvel Univers Live!” is unlike any other show out there and it’s a good family show filled with action and thrills.

“One of my favorite stunts is the car flip,” Lyght said. “In one of the first scenes, Maria Hill and Nick Fury are being attacked by Chiatari. They start to get the better of them and they flip the vehicle on stage.”

Leaping into a new season

2014-09-04T14:00:00Z

www.gwinnettcitizen.com

By: Holley Calmes

Published: September 4, 2024

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre might be the oldest performing arts non-profit in Gwinnett, but everything this season is fresh and new! This includes the 33rd anniversary of The Nutcracker, which is the second largest in the metro Atlanta area and a holiday tradition for thousands of families.

Beginning in October, GBT will offer three productions which include two new ballets and the Georgia premiere of a full length story ballet. It also offers a collaboration with an exciting young visual artist from Gwinnett, Mac Stewart.

“The coming season of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents its young artists in a season that is fresh, diverse and original,” states GBT Artistic Director Wade Walthall. “Professional, schooled and sophisticated, GBT is Atlanta’s finest company for young dancers.”

All of GBT’s performances are held at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth. Tickets can be purchased by visiting gwinnettcenter.com.

The season begins on October 4th and 5th when the company presents “19-20-21.” This title represents 3 pieces on the program, with each danced to the music of the 19th, 20th, or 21st century.

The 19th century was the era of great classical ballets. GBT will perform the beautiful scene “The Kingdom of the Shades” from the ballet “La Bayadere.” This piece will include a large corp de ballet all dressed in white representing angels, plus an exquisite pas de deux and demanding variations from soloists. This is pure classical ballet at its finest, and a work that has not been produced in the Atlanta area within memory.

Partnering the GBT ballerina will be a young man who recently graduated from the prestigious Nutmeg Conservatory, Martino Sauter. Martino, who has also performed with MOMIX Dance Company, will be living in Atlanta and working with GBT throughout the year.

Second on the program is “Time,” a neoclassical ballet choreographed by GBT teacher and Atlanta Ballet alumnus David Blumenfeld. This work is a premiere and the piece will be performed to the music of Philip Glass, a great late-20th century composer whose minimalist style is counterbalanced by his classicist structure.

The third piece is also a premiere, a contemporary ballet by Wade Walthall called “Pictures.” Walthall was inspired to create the ballet by the work of Mac Stewart, a 19 year old prodigy whose visual art is attracting attention and praise from the Atlanta arts community and beyond. Mac’s style uses very bold lines, geometric shapes, and detailed patterns, and these qualities will undoubtedly be reflected in the choreography.

Stewart will be contributing designs for the sets and inspiration for the costumes. He is excited about the collaboration, saying, “I look forward to working with Wade Walthall on this original ballet he will be creating. He’s an amazing dancer and creative choreographer. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration.”

Stewart was invited to be one of the artists for Atlanta’s “Living Walls,” an innovative annual arts event which has attracted international attention. Stewart created his wall located at 156 Forsyth Street in downtown Atlanta, and he was recently highlighted in a story published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

GBT’s “The Nutcracker” returns December 5-21 at the Gwinnett Perform-ing Arts Center. 2024 marks the 33rd year that GBT has offered this family favorite to the community. That “community” has actually expanded to include all of Atlanta and North Georgia, according to audience interviews conducted in the lobby before the shows. People from all over the state have discovered that they can enjoy a traditionally told Nutcracker with very high quality dancing, complete with live orchestra, at a venue where every seat is good and the parking is free. Last year’s Nutcracker sold 1,000 more tickets than the year before, with the last 2 weeks sold out. Better get those tickets soon!

GBT completes their season on March 28 and 29 with the Georgia premiere of “Journey,” a contemporary, three-act story ballet.

“Journey is an everyman fairy tale of the stars which follows a young man through various stages of his life,” explains Walthall. “He is led by the stars to the choice of love or familiarity. His decision is one that all have to make. ‘Journey’ is ballet of the mind, body and spirit with music that moves the heart, a story of a universal experience but unique to each individual.”

“Journey” will utilize a large cast of dancers of varying ages, and it is performed to the music of Rachmaninoff, Gorecki and Nyland.

GBT has grown steadily over the past few years. Studios were moved to the 20,000 square foot facility at 1800 Macleod Dr., Lawrenceville, just across Sugarloaf Parkway from Gwinnett Tech. The building contains 5 state of the art studios with special Marley-covered flooring, and 3 pianos. Approximately 200 students are taught by the finest staff available.

Another inspiring GBT story concerns its new School Administrator, Whitney Sue Jones, now Whitney Snuggs. Arriving as a little student at the age of 4, she became a leading dancer for GBT, performing Sugar Plum in the Nutcracker as well as many other leading roles. She has now grown into a position to shepherd the school into the future. She also teaches third grade at Winn Holt Elementary, and she has guided GBT’s outreach effort, the Dance Project, into a nationally recognized and respected program. Last year, the Dance Project received a $10,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

It is not too late to begin classes and be a part of all the excitement! Registration is always open for new students. However, anyone who wants to audition for this year’s “The Nutcracker” needs to sign up soon! Auditions will be held on September 16 and 18. GBT also offers a recreational ballet class for teens and adults on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm.

For more information about GBT, please visit the web site at www.gwinnettballet.org or call 770-237-0046.

Hunter Hayes heading to Gwinnett Center

2014-08-22T21:00:00Z

www.accessatlanta.com

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: August 22, 2024

Hunter Hayes has graduated from opening for Carrie Underwood at The Arena at Gwinnett Center to headlining the venue later this year.

The young country star will hit the road in late October for his “Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, and swing by the Duluth venue for a show at 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Ticket prices TBA.

Hayes announced the tour – on which he will be joined by Dan + Shay and The Railers – Friday morning after a performance on the weekly summer “Today” show concert series.

Tickets for Hayes’ Gwinnett Center date are on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 19. American Express cardholders can purchase tickets in advance beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 through 10 a.m. Sept. 18.

The 22-year-old Louisiana native has crafted an impressive burgeoning career as he continues to support his second album, “Storyline.” The album, released in May, has sprouted the Top 5 country hit, “Invisible.”

Hayes, a multi-instrumentalist, saw his self-titled debut, released in 2024, go platinum on the strength of the hits “Wanted” and “I Want Crazy.”

He played a sold-out show at the Fox Theatre in October.

To purchase tickets to Hayes’ Gwinnett show, visit GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or call 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

X-Games’ Endurocross comes to Arena at Gwinnett Center this weekend

2014-08-21T16:50:00Z

By: Chris Hillyard

Published: August 21, 2024

Ever wanted to see a Supercross motorcycle race where the drivers face obstacles like water crossings, boulders and logs? The Arena at Gwinnett Center offers that opportunity this weekend.

The Duluth venue will hold one of the more unique events it has ever hosted this Saturday, when it brings in Endurocross, an extreme sport of off-road, obstacle motorcycle racing in a Supercross setting.

“We are so excited to come to the Arena at Gwinnett Center,” Endurocross director of sales and marketing Lance Bryson said. “The state of Georgia is a great area for motorcyclists. They have a beautiful venue and we can’t wait to bring everything people love about mountain, outdoor riding inside the Arena.”

In a process that takes up to four days, event organizers will haul 1,200 cubic yards of clean dirt, 40 tons of rock, 40 tons of cobble river rock, 1,000 linear feet of 12-inch diameter logs, 160 linear feet of 3-foot diameter logs and two chords of firewood into the Arena.

All of those materials will make up the course that riders must maneuver.

“The riders truly do compete against the track first,” Bryson said. “They are riding through rocks and water crossings and trees. That makes it so unpredictable. You can be leading on the last lap and it’s not over. You never know what obstacle might be your downfall.

“We have some of the best off-road riders in the world coming to Gwinnett this year. Cody Webb is our points leader. Jordan Ashburn, Ricky Russell, Kaliub Russell, Colton Haaker and Teddy Blazusick are just some of the stars that will be competing. And Becca Sheets is one of the stars in our women’s division.”

Webb, the current leader in points coming into the event, has been doing Endurocross since 2024. The excitement and the thrill that comes with Endurocross is what drew Webb to the sport.

A motorcyle rider from a young age, he was attracted to the thrill of all of the obstacles in a confined, indoor setting.

“In a typical outdoor, off-road track you see the riders maybe once every 20 minutes,” Webb said. “In Endurocross you are sitting in a comfortable, arena seat and you can watch as riders are going through some incredible stuff right in front of you

“It’s different from Supercross because in those once the race gets going there usually isn’t a whole lot of positioning. It almost becomes follow the leader. In Endurocross there are so many things that can trip you up. There is much more excitement and mistakes are more costly.”

Endurocross debuted in the United States in 2024 and was added to the X-games in 2024. Mountain Motorsports, which has three Atlanta area locations, is one of the main sponsors of the event. Races will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets prices range between $20-30.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings live debut of 'The Christmas Attic' to Gwinnett Arena

2014-08-18T21:00:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: August 18, 2024

This Christmas season will be rocking at the Arena at Gwinnett Center as Trans-Siberian Orchestra will present the live debut of “The Christmas Attic” on Dec. 10.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will be performing their rock opera “The Christmas Attic” for the first time ever on their 2024 winter tour, which begins Nov. 13. The original album “The Christmas Attic” was released in 1998 and then re-released as part of “The Christmas Trilogy Box Set” in 2024. The album features one of the band’s most popular songs, “Christmas Canon.”

“After kicking off the New Year in front of two million fans at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, followed by our second European tour, the band felt that a perfect way to end the year would be to perform the only rock opera from the trilogy that has never been seen live,” said O’Neill. “As I have always said ‘it is fun to write the songs, it is fun to record them, but they are never really completed until we perform them in front of a live arena audience.’”

TSO has sold more than 7 million albums and inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. The band has taken their tour to more than 80 cities worldwide and played to over seven million people — Billboard magazine named them as one of the top touring artists of the past decade.

The on-sale date for tickets is still to be determined.

For more information about The Arena at the Gwinnett Center, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

For more information about Trans-Siberian Orchestra, visit trans-siberian.com.

Country star Brantley Gilbert to play Gwinnett Arena

2014-08-08T20:30:00Z

By Katie Morris

Published: August 8, 2024

Country artist Brantley Gilbert announced that his Let It Ride Tour is coming to the Gwinnett Arena this November.

#The Georgia native announced the dates and opening acts through a special video to the BG Nation — Brantley, with special guests Tyler Farr and Chase Bryant, will play The Arena at Gwinnett on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.

#Gilbert just released his third studio album,”Just As I Am,” last May. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and also scored the third-highest album debut of the year with over 212,000 copies sold in the first week. Brantley has racked up five No. 1 singles, multiple award show nominations and was named 2024 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year. His number one hits include “Country Must Be Country Wide” and the Gold-certified “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”

#Tickets go on sale Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Ticket Prices are $37 for GA Floor and Reserved Lower Bowl and $29.75 Reserved, plus applicable fees. The Arena at the Gwinnett Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy. in Duluth.

#For more information, visit Brantleygilbert.com or GwinnettCenter.com.

BRANTLEY GILBERT STRIKES GOLD WITH JUST AS I AM

2014-08-08T17:27:00Z

For Immediate Release:

BRANTLEY GILBERT
STRIKES GOLD WITH JUST AS I AM

Hitmaker Announces Second Leg of LET IT RIDE TOUR in Special Video to BG Nation; Will Play The Arena At Gwinnett Center On Friday, November 28th

Continuing to build on an already stellar year, BRANTLEY GILBERT strikes another career high-mark with the GOLD-certification of JUST AS I AM (The Valory Music Co.). His third studio album, which debuted at #1 on Billboard Country Albums Chart, also scored the third highest album debut of the year with over 212,000 copies sold in the first week. Brantley's latest project has already produced the Platinum-certified, #1 lead single “Bottoms Up,” whose music video has seen over 23 million views. Quickly climbing the Country airplay charts, the Top 20-and-rising follow-up, “Small Town Throwdown,” features labelmates JUSTIN MOORE and THOMAS RHETT.

To announce the tour, Brantley and his sidekick Sylo revealed dates and opening acts for the second leg of hisLET IT RIDE TOUR through a special video to the BG Nation. The announcement also included footage from the first part of the tour, showing fired-up performances from the multiple sold-out shows last spring. This round is set to kick off on September 19 in Austin, TX. Aaron Lewis as direct support 9/19 through 10/25 and Tyler Farr as direct support 10/30 through 12/6. Chase Bryant will be opening all dates.

The Georgia native has racked up five #1 singles, impressive album sales, multiple award show nominations from the CMA, ACM, ACA & CMT Music Awards and was named 2024 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year. Brantley's previous project, the PLATINUM-certified HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE, produced Platinum-certified #1 hit – “Country Must Be Country Wide” and Gold-certified #1 hit “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do." As a celebrated songwriter, he has also penned #1 songs “My Kinda Party,” “Dirt Road Anthem” for Jason Aldean as well as his own “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”

BRANTLEY GILBERT
LET IT RIDE TOUR

With special guests
TYLER FARR
CHASE BRYANT

THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER - DULUTH, GA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
DOORS: 6PM SHOW: 7PM

TICKETS ON-SALE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH @10AM

Ticket Locations:
Buy tickets at GwinnettCenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-AXS-TIX.

Ticket Prices:
$37.00 GA Floor & Reserved Lower Bowl / $29.75 Reserved (plus applicable fees)

More Info:
Brantleygilbert.com | GwinnettCenter.com | nationalshows2.com

'Tap-a-ce-tic' hits Center Stage on Aug. 8

2014-08-01T14:06:00Z

www.peachtreecornerslife.com

By: Holly Calmes

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2024

“Tap-a-ce-tic” is a one of a kind performance that will blow the audience away,” Gwinnett dancer and teacher Brandon Chitwood said. “We are taking tap dance to a whole new dimension with our stunning lights, sets and quick feet!”

Brandon will not be alone on stage. Other tappers include Alicia Newcom, who is also the assistant director, Skylar Newcom, Haley Jenkins and Brad Coggin. All of these dancers grew up together in Gwinnett County and all have trained under Chitwood.

"Audiences will have a new appreciation for this form of dance that is not taught as much as it used to,” Chitwood said. “Some of the props and sets rotate, light up and swing! The atmosphere should feel very intimate, leaving the audience open to applaud, cheer and participate with the dancers. The audience should leave excited and with an appreciation for entertainment.”

#The Gwinnett arts community is more familiar with Chitwood and his wife, Alicia, as being the new owners of Southern Performing Arts Academy, home of Southern Ballet Theatre. Chitwood grew up in the school but his journey into dance started with an altogether different form of movement.

Growing up, he played soccer. In the summer before high school his coach recommended that the team take tap classes to improve their footwork and speed, and the rest is history. Dance became an important part of his life so much that it is now Chitwood’s career.

Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Donald O’Connor, Steve Condos and Sammy Davis Jr. were all an inspiration to him.

“Tap is different (from other forms of dance) because instead of dancing to the rhythm of the music, your feet make the rhythm, like a musician,” Chitwood says. “Your feet can lead you to make your own music, experimenting with different sounds from the shoes and parts of your feet. There is freedom with tap dancing. You are only limited by the size of your imagination.”

In creating “Tap-a-ce-tic” Chitwood wants to combine tap with unconventional sets and props, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

“I believe in taking the audience on an entertainment journey. I want to entertain a wide variety of audiences, not just people who like dance. This way, people who have never stepped into a theatre will have a new appreciation for dance, especially tap dancing.”

For more information about Chitwood and the Southern Performing Arts Academy, visit the website at www.southernperformingartsacademy.com or call the studios at 678-682-9238.

Four performances of “Tap-a-ce-tic” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. Shows are held at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center and tickets are priced at $35 to $60. They are available by calling 770-813-7600 or going to gwinnettcenter.com.

Tap-a-cetic to Perform at the Gwinnett Center, 8/8-10

2014-07-25T21:00:00Z

broadwayworld.com

By: Dance News Desk

Published: Friday, July 25, 2024

Brandon Chitwood, Co-Artistic Director of Southern Ballet Theatre, announces that TAP•A•CE•TIC will be presented from Friday, August 8th, through Sunday, August 10th, at the Gwinnett Center, Performing Arts Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia.

TAP•A•CE•TIC is taking live tap dancing to limitless heights to bring the audience on an unimaginable journey using technology, sensational lighting, live music, indescribable tap sets, and the sounds of their feet. The six exhilarating performers will keep you expecting the unexpected in the multi-sensory world that they create for you through the magic of live theatre and dance. All of your senses will be taken on an unforgettable journey that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.

"TAP•A•CE•TIC is a one of a kind performance that will blow away the audience," says Chitwood. "We are taking tap dance to whole new dimension with our stunning lights, sets and quick feet."

TAP•A•CE•TIC will play from Friday, August 8th, through Sunday, August 10th. Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $35 to $60. To purchase tickets, visit http://gwinnettcenter.com or call 770-813-7600. The Gwinnett Center Box Office is open Monday thru Friday 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. and Saturday and Sundays on event days only.

GWINNETT CENTER TO HOST SECOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Includes Three Special Screenings

2014-07-24T20:22:00Z

Published: Thursday, July 24, 2024

Gwinnett Center will host their second International Film Festival, Friday, August 1 thru Sunday, August 3. The festival will celebrate efforts of both local and independent filmmakers from across the globe.

The films will play at Gwinnett Center in the Performing Arts Center and Convention Center, where there will be four screening room, as well as workshops and panel discussions presented throughout the festival. There will be three special screenings, including two world premieres (The Cure and Santa’s Bootcamp) and a documentary film featuring Kevin Spacey (Now: In The Wings On A World Stage).

One day passes range from $8.00 – $16.50, and weekend all-access passes are $35.00.
For more information on the Gwinnett Center International Film Festival films, workshops or panel discussions, please visit www.gcifilmfest.com.

Singer Jake Owen coming to Gwinnett Center

2014-07-23T21:00:00Z

From Staff Reporters

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Chart-topping, party-stirring singer Jake Owen is bringing his renowned act to Gwinnett County.

Owen, who hit No. 1 with “Anything With You,” will perform at the Gwinnett Center on Oct. 23 with Eli Young Band and The Cadillac Three, the Duluth arena said in a news release.

The stop is part of Owen’s “Days of Gold Tour,” promoting his album of the same name.

A native of Vero Beach, Fla., the singer found wide success in 2024, drawing more than 20,000 fans at a block party in Nashville and touring with fellow hit-maker Jason Aldean.

“I love throwing parties! This tour is going to be one big party and everyone is invited,” Owen said in the release. “I’ve been lucky enough to be on the road and learn from incredible artists like Chesney, McGraw and Aldean. I’m really proud of this tour and can’t wait for the fans to see what’s in store.”

Owen’s current album was the follow-up to “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” which included the tracks “Alone with You,” and “The One That Got Away” and “Anywhere with You.”

The tour, making stops in more than 55 cities, is presented by Discover Boating, a national boating awareness group.

Tickets for the Gwinnett show go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. and will be available at gwinnettcenter.com, the arena’s box office, or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

For more information on the singer, visit www.jakeowen.net, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jakeowen, and follow him on Twitter @jakeowen.

Gwinnett Gladiators, Arena at Gwinnett Center extend contract

2014-07-17T21:00:00Z

From Staff Reporters

Published: Thursday, July 17, 2024

The Arena at Gwinnett Center’s main tenant won’t be going anywhere in the near future.

The Gwinnett Center and the Gwinnett Gladiators recently announced the two sides have agreed on a five-year contract extension that will keep the ECHL hockey team in the Duluth venue through the 2024-2019 season.

“We are excited to have Gwinnett Gladiators hockey at the Arena for years to come,” Gwinnett Center assistant general manager Ron Jackson said. “They are a great partner, and we look forward to a Kelly Cup victory this year.”

The Gladiators begin their 12th season on the road Oct. 18, then return for their first homestand Oct. 24-25 at the Arena at Gwinnett Center, the team’s home since it moved to Gwinnett. The hockey team made its debut locally Oct. 24, 2024 with a 5-1 win over the Augusta Lynx.

Gwinnett Center, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, boasts an 80-acre lakefront campus that hosts a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets and celebrations. The multi-purpose property includes a 13,000-seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000-square foot exhibit hall and a 21,600-square foot grand ballroom.

“The Gladiators organization is pleased to continue our partnership with the GCVB and arena staff as we call the Arena at Gwinnett Center home,” Gladiators majority owner Toby Jeffreys said. “As Atlanta’s one and only professional hockey team, this allows us to continue our relationships and focus on the community as we bring affordable, family fun to Gwinnett and metro Atlanta.”

Gwinnett Center to Host Second International Film Festival

2014-07-14T10:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GWINNETT CENTER TO HOST SECOND

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Including Three Special Screenings

Duluth, GA (July 14, 2024) — Gwinnett Center will host their second International Film Festival, Friday, August 1 thru Sunday, August 3. The festival will celebrate efforts of both local and independent filmmakers from across the globe.

The films will play at Gwinnett Center in the Performing Arts Center and Convention Center, where there will be four screening room, as well as workshops and panel discussions presented throughout the festival. There will be three special screenings, including two world premieres (The Cure and Santa’s Bootcamp) and a film featuring Kevin Spacey (Now: In The Wings On A World Stage).

THE CURE

World Premiere

FILM TYPE: Fiction

SCREENING ROOM: Gwinnett Performing Arts Center

DATE: Friday, August 1, 2024

TIME: 8:00 P.M.

RUN TIME: 1 hour 37 minutes

TRAILER: http://youtu.be/rbMUrNAGtaA

SYNOPSIS: Dominic Wells told Kennedy his girlfriend he loved her and kissed her goodbye like he always did when leaving for an assignment. She watched him walk away towards his transport, not realizing she would never see him again. Dominic, a 1st lieutenant in the United States Army set out with his team to execute a simple mission they could do in their sleep, but things quickly go wrong and Dominic is captured, leaving the rest of his team unaccounted for. Before escaping captivity, Dominic is injected with something he quickly learns he needs a vaccine for. Armed with a gun and a list of names Dominic sets out to find a cure, and anyone standing in his way God help them. Rick Sampson is a detective assigned to investigate a string of high profile murders in the area that he believes are connected with the recent jail break. His investigation is about to put him on a colliding path with Dominic, but as information unfolds, Rick finds himself to be in the middle of something much more than a murder investigation. Both men will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of what’s going on, but neither have any idea how deep the rabbit hole goes.

SANTA'S BOOTCAMP

World Premiere

FILM TYPE: Fiction

SCREENING ROOM: Gwinnett Performing Arts Center

DATE: Sunday, August 3, 2024

TIME: 5:00 P.M.

RUN TIME: 1 hour and 33 minutes

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RTWnMkqb0U

SYNOPSIS: Santa's Boot Camp is the story of what happens when kids don't believe in Santa Claus anymore. When kids become so bratty and self-centered it causes Santa's elves to go on strike. In a state of desperation, Santa brings six unscrupulous teens to his boot camp to help save Christmas. Between the striking elves and the unruly teenagers, Santa has all he can take. Will Christmas be canceled? Will the toys get made on time? After Santa quits, the teenagers and the striking elves both realize that they have to contribute to the greater good, cooperate and be nicer to others.

NOW: IN THE WINGS ON A WORLD STAGE

Featuring Kevin Spacey

FILM TYPE: Documentary

SCREENING ROOM: Gwinnett Performing Arts Center

DATE: Saturday, August 2, 2024

TIME: 8:00 P.M.

RUN TIME: 97 minutes

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8MuHLkLHGA

SYNOPSIS: This takes us along with twenty British and American actors on a whirlwind ten month international tour of Richard III, led by Kevin Spacey in the title role, and directed by Sam Mendes. The film follows Mendes Bridge Project, the first transatlantic theatre company, as the play takes shape and unfolds for us in spellbinding excerpts from the stage production as it travels through nine cities. As we discover Spacey's revelatory performance as the power-mad Richard destroying his family and everyone in his path, we also see him demonstrate how, in leading this troupe of actors his leadership helps to unify and bring the best out of the group.

Tickets for the Gwinnett Center International Film Festival can be purchased at GwinnettCenter.com, Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

One day passes range from $8.00 - $16.50, and weekend all-access passes are $35.00.

For more information on the Gwinnett Center International Film Festival films, workshops or panel discussions, please visit www.gcifilmfest.com.

###

About Gwinnett Center

Gwinnett Center Press Contact
Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552

GWINNETT CENTER AND GWINNETT GLADIATORS AGREE TO 5-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

2014-07-10T10:00:00Z

Duluth, GA. (July 10, 2024) – Today, Gwinnett Center and the Gwinnett Gladiators announced a 5-year contract extension thru the 2024-2019 ECHL season.

Gwinnett Center is a multi-purpose campus in Gwinnett County that includes The Arena at Gwinnett Center, and is home to the Gwinnett Gladiators. The first puck hit the ice on October 24, 2024, when the Gwinnett Gladiators secured their first win over the Augusta Lynx, 5-1.

Their twelfth season begins on the road on October 18, 2024, with their first home-stand at The Arena on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25.

“We are excited to have Gwinnett Gladiators hockey at The Arena for years to come,” says assistant general manager, Ron Jackson. “They are a great partner, and we look forward to a Kelly Cup victory this year!”

Gladiators Majority Owner Toby Jeffreys echoed the sentiment: “The Gladiators Organization is pleased to continue our partnership with the GCVB and arena staff as we call The Arena at Gwinnett Center home. As Atlanta’s One and Only professional hockey team, this allows us to continue our relationships and focus on the community as we bring affordable, family fun to Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta.”

The 2024-2015 schedule was released earlier this summer, and includes the following dates and times:

GWINNETT GLADIATORS 2024-2015 SCHEDULE
Sat., Oct. 18, 2024 @ Evansville (8:15)	Fri., Jan. 23, 2024 vs. Florida (7:35)
Fri., Oct. 24, 2024 vs. Wheeling (7:35)	Sat., Jan. 24, 2024 vs. Florida (7:05)
Sat., Oct. 25, 2024 vs. Greenville (7:05)	Sun., Jan. 25, 2024 vs. Reading (2:05)
Wed., Oct. 29, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:05)	Wed., Jan. 28, 2024 @ Indy (TBA)
Sat., Nov. 1, 2024 vs. Toledo (7:05)	Fri., Jan. 30, 2024 @ Evansville (8:15)
Sun., Nov. 2, 2024 vs. Toledo (2:05)	Sat., Jan. 31, 2024 @ Evansville (8:15)
Sat., Nov. 8, 2024 vs. Florida (7:05)	Tue., Feb. 3, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:05)
Sun., Nov. 9, 2024 @ South Carolina (3:00)	Fri., Feb. 6, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:35)
Thu., Nov. 13, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)	Sat., Feb. 7, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:05)
Fri., Nov. 14, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)	Sun., Feb. 8, 2024 @ South Carolina (3:00)
Sun., Nov. 16, 2024 vs. Florida (2:05)	Fri., Feb. 13, 2024 @ South Carolina (7:00)
Fri., Nov. 21, 2024 @ Florida (7:30)	Sat., Feb. 14, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)
Sat., Nov. 22, 2024 @ Florida (7:00)	Sun., Feb. 15, 2024 vs. Greenville (2:05)
Tue., Nov. 25, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)	Wed., Feb. 18, 2024 @ Kalamazoo (7:30)
Thu., Nov. 27, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)	Fri., Feb. 20, 2024 @ Fort Wayne (8:00)
Sat., Nov. 29, 2024 @ South Carolina (7:00)	Sat., Feb. 21, 2024 @ Fort Wayne (8:00)
Sun., Nov. 30, 2024 @ South Carolina (3:00)	Sun., Feb. 22, 2024 @ Toledo (5:15)
Tue., Dec. 9, 2024 @ Toledo (7:15)	Wed., Feb. 25, 2024 @ Florida (7:30)
Wed., Dec. 10, 2024 @ Kalamazoo (7:30)	Fri., Feb. 27, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)
Sat., Dec. 13, 2024 vs. Cincinnati (7:05)	Sat., Feb. 28, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)
Sun., Dec. 14, 2024 vs. South Carolina (2:05)	Fri., Mar. 6, 2024 @ South Carolina (7:00)
Wed., Dec. 17, 2024 @ Florida (7:30)	Sat., Mar. 7, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)
Fri., Dec. 19, 2024 @ Florida (7:30)	Sun., Mar. 8, 2024 vs. Florida (2:05)
Sun., Dec. 21, 2024 vs. Orlando (2:05)	Fri., Mar. 13, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:35)
Fri., Dec. 26, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)	Sat., Mar. 14, 2024 @ South Carolina (7:00)
Sat., Dec. 27, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)	Sun., Mar. 15, 2024 @ South Carolina (3:00)
Mon., Dec. 29, 2024 vs. Wheeling (7:05)	Fri., Mar. 20, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)
Tue., Dec. 30, 2024 vs. Florida (7:05)	Sat., Mar. 21, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)
Fri., Jan. 2, 2024 vs. Elmira (7:35)	Fri., Mar. 27, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:35)
Sat., Jan. 3, 2024 vs. Elmira (7:05)	Sat., Mar. 28, 2024 vs. Orlando (7:05)
Thu., Jan. 8, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)	Sun., Mar. 29, 2024 vs. Orlando (2:05)
Sat., Jan. 10, 2024 vs. South Carolina (7:05)	Thu., Apr. 2, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)
Sun., Jan. 11, 2024 vs. Fort Wayne (2:05)	Fri., Apr. 3, 2024 vs. Greenville (7:35)
Fri., Jan. 16, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)	Sat., Apr. 4, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)
Sat., Jan. 17, 2024 @ Orlando (7:00)	Wed., Apr. 8, 2024 vs. Evansville (7:05)
Mon., Jan. 19, 2024 vs. Indy (12:35)	Sat., Apr. 11, 2024 @ Greenville (7:00)

For more information about purchasing tickets this season, please visit GwinnettCenter.com or GwinnettGladiators.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

###

About Gwinnett Center

About Gwinnett Gladiators

The Gladiators are members of the ECHL, the nation’s premier "AA" hockey league and are affiliated with the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL. All home games are played at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. For all the latest team news, contests, and more visit GwinnettGladiators.com, or “like” the Gladiators on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GwinnettGladiators), and follow the team on Twitter (www.twitter.com/GWTGladiators).

Gwinnett Center Press Contact
Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: 770-813-7552

Gwinnett Gladiators Press Contact
Christina Johnson

Gwinnett Gladiators, Director of Media, Operations, & Merchandising

Phone: 770-497-5118

E-Mail: cjohnson@gwinnettgladiators.com

Marvel to unleash superheroes for stunt-filled live shows

2014-07-09T21:00:00Z

gwinnettdailypost.com

By: Letitia Stein

Published: Wednesday, July 9, 2024

Marvel in its latest superhero caper will expand its comic empire to live U.S. audiences this year, with a tour packing Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man and two dozen characters into a family-oriented show filled with fight scenes and explosions.

Marvel Universe LIVE! debuted in Florida on Thursday, July 10, and will hit 85 cities including Duluth in December, marking the character licensing company’s most ambitious move into live entertainment.

Marvel seeks to emulate the success of its parent company, Walt Disney Co., in translating popular film and television into a lifestyle brand with wide consumer reach.

“This is legacy building,” said Tom Marvelli, Marvel’s vice president of global creative services and live events, who expects the show to appeal to both adult fans and their children. “For the first time, they are going to get to see the characters right in front of them, fighting it out and conquering evil.”

The show features more than 25 characters — from Wolverine and the Avengers’ Captain America and Hulk to rivals Loki, Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus — in a duel for control of the Cosmic Cube, a coveted and feared power source in the Marvel realm.

The plot fuels an almost non-stop sequence of action scenes, orchestrated by the stunts coordinator for “The Amazing Spider-Man” movies. Among the highlights are a car that flips, racing motorcycles and a bad guy who goes up in flames.

The production features a stage that doubles as a massive projection screen, transporting audiences from Manhattan’s skyscrapers to the far-flung desert while heroes and villains fight battle after battle.

The action takes place as much in the air as on the ground, with costumes designed to move according to characters’ powers, producer Juliette Feld said. Spider-Man swings on a pendulum, while Iron Man has a jet-propulsion effect.

The tour is expected to go on to Canada and the UK, although no dates are set.

The concept was pitched by Feld Entertainment, a family-owned company that puts on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, building on its three-decade relationship with Disney.

Feld produces the popular “Disney on Ice” and “Disney Live!” tours and has featured Marvel-themed cars at its Monster Jam events.

“We saw the success of the films. The characters are so endearing, so relatable and so well loved,” said Feld, executive vice president of the Florida-based company. “We really wanted to bring them to life and expand our portfolio.”

She declined to discuss the cost of the production, which has been two years in the making. Marvel will share in the revenues generated, Marvel executives said, declining to provide additional detail.

The show, while suitable for most ages, especially targets 5- to 12-year-old boys.

Producers hope to lure audiences into the action with a new Marvel collectible, the Lectro Link. The interactive wristband, on sale at performances for $25, provides a remote power source for the Iron Man suit.

Tickets are already on sale for the show at the Arena at Gwinnett Center from Dec. 26 through 28. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

UGA Day with Richt, Fox and others returns to Gwinnett

2014-07-03T20:05:00Z

From staff reporters

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2024

The University of Georgia Alumni Association and Athletic Association have teamed up for another UGA Day in Gwinnett, an event featuring prominent Bulldog coaches slated for July 15.

Georgia president Jere W. Morehead, head football coach Mark Richt, head baseball coach Scott Stricklin and head men’s basketball coach Mark Fox will join UGA alumni and friends for the gathering at the Gwinnett Center Grand Ballroom. Bulldog announcer Chuck Dowdle also will participate in the festivities as the UGA staff members share news from Athens.

The UGA Day ticket includes a barbecue pork and chicken buffet dinner with drinks. A cash bar also will be available. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m.

Online registration ends Tuesday at www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/. Cost is $20 per ticket before Tuesday, then tickets are $30 on-site on event day. A reserved table of 10 is $350 and children 6-and-under are admitted free.

Judas Priest to play Gwinnett Arena this fall

2014-06-27T21:00:00Z

By: Deanna Allen

Published: Friday, June 27, 2024

Heavy metal icons Judas Priest are releasing a new album July 8. The question of whether the band will embark on a supporting tour has been answered, and the list of locations for the fall tour includes Gwinnett — Judas Priest will rock the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Oct. 28.

The band is Rob Halford on vocals, Glenn Tipton on guitar, Richie Faulkner on guitar, Ian Hill on bass and Scott Travis on drums. “Redeemer of Souls” is their 17th studio album release and their first new album in six years.

The band is known for some of heavy metal’s all-time classic songs, including “Living After Midnight,” “Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and other tracks.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11. Gwinnett residents can purchase tickets at GwinnettCenter.com, the Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

PNC Bank and Gwinnett Center Announce Sponsorship Deal

2014-06-26T11:00:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Duluth, GA. (June 26, 2024) – Gwinnett Center and PNC Bank announced a sponsorship deal today, which includes mobile phone charging stations and ATMs on campus.

PNC Bank will provide two (2) charging stations and two (2) ATMs in The Arena at Gwinnett Center and two (2) charging stations and one (1) ATM in Gwinnett Convention Center. Each charging station will provide patrons with (16) charging ports, including MicroUSB cords (compatible with most Android phones, GPS and Bluetooth devices) and iPhone 3/4/4S/5/5C/5S cords.

Gwinnett Center is a multi-purpose campus in Gwinnett County that attracts over one million guests annually, and includes The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Gwinnett Convention Center, Gwinnett Performing Arts Center and the Hudgen’s Center for the Arts.

“We look forward to extending the banking benefits that PNC Bank is providing our patrons,” said assistant general manager, Ron Jackson. “These charging stations will provide our customers with the opportunity to stay connected to their friends, family or work during events.”

“These charging stations and ATMs are a great example of how PNC works with local businesses to deliver creative solutions that give consumers access to their money and to their information, when and where they want it,” said Brandon Siegel, PNC Bank commercial bank market manager for Georgia. “Gwinnett Center includes some of the most popular venues in metro Atlanta, and now we have a chance to extend the PNC brand, while also providing an enhanced transaction experience for thousands of visitors.”

The partnership begins immediately and patrons can begin to use the charging stations and ATMs at their next event on campus. The terms of the partnership have not been disclosed.

The charging stations were created by New York based company, goCharge.

Press photo:

From left to right, Ron Jackson, Gwinnett Center assistant general manager, Brandon Siegel, PNC Bank commercial banking marketing leader, Tyan Keyes-Ballard, PNC Bank corporate banking relationship manager and Joseph Dennis, Gwinnett Center general manager

About Gwinnett Center

About PNC Bank

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the United States' largest diversified financial services organizations, providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management.

About goCharge

goCharge is a leading provider of mobile device charging stations to conferences, trade shows, events, universities, hospitals, sports stadiums, arenas, and more. Available for sale, rent, or lease, goCharge provides a "must have" utility to keep people connected wherever they are.

Press Contact

Jaclyn Miller

Gwinnett Center, Marketing and PR Manager

Phone: 770-813-7552

E-mail: jmiller@gwinnettcenter.com

Gladiators 2024-15 schedule released

2014-06-04T19:29:00Z

Published: Wednesday, June 4, 2024

DULUTH — The Gwinnett Gladiators revealed the team’s 2024-15 regular season schedule on Wednesday and the home opener is set for Oct. 24 against the Wheeling Nailers at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

The Gladiators then face division rival Greenville the next night at 7:05 p.m.

The puck drops on the new 72-game campaign on Oct. 18 in Evansville.

The Gladiators will host 12 different teams over their 36 home games from late-October through mid-April, including the Eastern Conference champion Cincinnati Cyclones on Dec. 13.

Also visiting Gwinnett will be the newest member of the ECHL in the Indy Fuel, along with the Evansille IceMen, Fort Wayne Komets, Reading Royals, Toledo Walleye and Wheeling Nailers.

Fan favorite promotions returning for the 2024-15 season include the Gladiators annual Thanksgiving game (Nov. 27 vs. South Carolina), and the MLK Jr. Holiday “Kids Day Out” game (Jan. 19 vs. Cincinnati). Also note, per fan request, Friday games home have returned to a 7:35 p.m. start time and Sundays will remain at 2:05 p.m.

Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat tour coming to Arena

2014-05-07T13:00:00Z

By: Deanna Allen

Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2024

DULUTH — The Arena at Gwinnett Center has announced the bands Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat will be co-headlining a fall show at the Duluth venue.

Five Finger Death Punch’s 2024 releases “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell — Volume 1” and “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell — Volume 2” both debuted on the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 2. The two albums feature two No. 1 radio hit singles, “Lift Me Up” featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest, and “Battle Born,” and have combined sales of more than 600,000 units to date.

The American rock band Five Finger Death Punch is Ivan Moody on vocals, Zoltan Bathory on guitar, Jeremy Spencer on guitar, Jason Hook on guitar and Chris Kael on bass.

The Danish band Volbeat’s “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies” has sold more than 300,000 copies in the U.S. according to Soundscan, alongside hundreds of thousands of digital singles. The quartet received its first Grammy Nomination in the “Best Metal Performance” category for “Room 24” and won Germany’s Echo Award for “Best International Alternative Act.”

Volbeat is Michael Poulsen on vocals and guitar, Anders Kjølholm on bass and Jon Larsen on drums, joined by former Anthrax/The Damned Things guitarist Rob Caggiano, who produced the new album with longtime Volbeat co-producer Jacob Hansen.

Tickets for the Oct. 11 concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, and are $39.75 to $45. Tickets can be purchased at GwinnettCenter.com, the Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX.

The concert will feature special guest Hellyeah and opener Nothing More.

Disney’s beloved characters take to the ice at the Arena

2014-05-07T12:00:00Z

By: Deanna Allen

Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2024

The largest-ever cast of Disney characters — 65 total — will come together for nine upcoming shows at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, and there’s one thing these characters will all have in common in addition to being Disney — they’ll be wearing ice skates.

Disney on Ice celebrates “100 Years of Magic” is bringing all the beloved Disney characters kids and adults have come to love — Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many of the Disney princesses will will be featured in this skating spectacular alongside characters from the films “The Lion King,” “Mulan,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles” and “Toy Story.”

Conor Wagar who skates as Woody in the Toy Story trio with Buzz and Jessie said audiences will love the show.

"Since we have a lot of characters, we have a lot of story lines,” he said.

Highlight of the show include Pinocchio, Mulan and Beauty and the Beast. There’s also a segment in which all the princesses and princes skate together.

Tickets are available for the following performances:

• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14

• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15

• 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 16

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16

• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17

• 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17

• 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17

• 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18

• 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18

For more information on Disney on Ice celebrates “100 Years of Magic,” wisit gwinnettcenter.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-presents-100-years-of-magic.

Cirque du Soleil, pop-rock concert combine in Michael Jackson show

2014-05-07T11:00:00Z

www.enriqueiglesias.com - www.pitbullmusic.com - www.jbalvin.com

By: Deanna Allen

Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2024

It’s Cirque du Soleil meets a pop-rock concert featuring the legendary music of entertainment icon Michael Jackson, and it’s coming to the Arena at Gwinnett Center for two shows only this Friday and Saturday.

From “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” to “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller,” all the hits — and some lesser known songs — are included in “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.”

“The show does a really, really good job covering as much of Michael Jackson’s catalogue as possible,” said Laura Silverman, the show’s spokesperson. “There is a really great mix of music, all of his top hits that people really recognized Michael Jackson for (are in the show).”

Silverman called the tour, which features an 11-piece band, 16 acrobats and 22 dancers, a hybrid — Michael Jackson’s music is combined with Cirque’s signature circus arts in a concert atmosphere. Jackson’s voice is pulled from his original tracks and played along with the live music.

One of the highlights of the show, Silverman said, is a sequence that begins with “This Place Hotel” and aerial dancing, transitions into “Smooth Criminal” featuring Jackson’s iconic dance moves and concludes with the song “Dangerous” to which a pole dancer performs.

“For really big fans and for everyone, really, its a really good show to capture the talent and impact of Michael Jackson,” Silverman said.

The show’s 11-piece band is also a highlight, with four of its members having toured with Jackson himself — drummer Jonathan Moffett, bassist Don Boyette, male guitarist Jon Myron Clark and percussionist Bashiri Johnson.

But the spotlight will be on Jackson.

“His music and his legacy, it is timeless, and it truly is important,” Silverman said. “It’s going to live on way past this show for years and years to come.”

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH AND VOLBEAT JOIN FORCES

2014-05-06T11:00:00Z

SHOWS ALL ACROSS NORTH AMERICA IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

INCLUDING SPECIAL GUEST HELLYEAH AND OPENER NOTHING MORE

Tweet it: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH (@FFDP) & @VOLBEAT join forces for major fall tour; go to http://bit.ly/1lSFo7W for more info !

Global rock heavyweights FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and VOLBEAT announced today (5/6) on their Facebook pages (5FDP Facebook and Volbeat Facebook) that they’ve joined forces to bring fans one of the biggest rock tours of the year produced by Frank Productions/NS2. Special guests on the tour will be HELLYEAH and NOTHING MORE. Fred Frank, President of FRANK PRODUCTIONS offers: “We are excited to put two of the globally most relevant and hottest bands of the genre into major arenas across the country to bring fans an amazing night with 4 bands on the bill at a great value”.

The co-headlining arena tour across North America (itinerary below) will kick off on September 16 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, UT and run through October with the final performance taking place at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 10am local time. Pre-sales start tomorrow (May 7) at 10am local time. For tickets go to www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com or www.vobeat.dk. For 5FDP VIP experience info go to: http://bit.ly/Rm0eBh. Also, several additional show dates will be announced on June 3. In honor of the announcement, both headliners will feature huge sweepstakes on their Facebook pages where fans can enter to win grand prizes such as a guitar signed by all bands on the tour, meet & greets with all four bands on the tour, as well as tickets to the shows and many other cool prizes.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, undoubtedly one of the most relevant and successful rock bands globally, dominated 2024 with the releases THE WRONG SIDE OF HEAVEN AND THE RIGHTEOUS SIDE OF HELL ─ VOLUME 1 and VOLUME 2. Both volumes debuted on the U.S. Billboard album chart at #2 (more notably, within a four-month period) and in the top ten mainstream charts all across the globe. The two albums feature two #1 radio hit singles (“Lift Me Up” featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest and “Battle Born”) and have combined sales of over 600,000 units to date. The multi-million selling rock titans’ current single, “The House Of The Rising Sun” is their 13th consecutive top ten hit at Active Rock Radio. Watch the video here: http://vevo.ly/pNJ7Cr. USA TODAY proclaimed VOLUME 2 elevates the group “…to the top of its game. Offering more than blind rage, though there's certainly plenty, the songs live in the tension implied by the album's title—aware of the implications of lashing out, ready to accept the consequences” (11/19/13). Following Australia’s Soundwave Festival and shows across Japan and South East Asia, the band just concluded a sold out European headlining tour. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is Ivan Moody (vocals), Zoltan Bathory (guitar), Jeremy Spencer (guitar), Jason Hook (guitar) and Chris Kael (bass).

VOLBEAT'S OUTLAW GENTLEMEN & SHADY LADIES has sold more than 300,000 copies in the U.S. according to Soundscan, alongside hundreds of thousands of digital singles. The Danish quartet received their first Grammy Nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for "Room 24" (Volbeat Featuring King Diamond), and won Germany's Echo Award for "Best International Alternative Act." The band's repertoire has become a staple at Active Rock radio, cementing their relevance with five consecutive #1 singles at the format. Their latest "Dead But Rising" is entrenched in the Top 5, on its way to the peak of the chart. Overseas, OUTLAW GENTLEMEN & SHADY LADIES has been certified platinum in their home country of Denmark, alongside Germany and Austria, with gold sales in Finland.

Since forming in Copenhagen in 2024, Volbeat has released five studio albums, and two live offerings that have turned the band into superstars, collecting platinum discs and prestigious awards making them one of the most talked about bands around the world. OUTLAW GENTLEMEN & SHADY LADIES, debuted at No. 1 in the band's home country of Denmark alongside Canada, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Austria. The new release saw a debut at No. 2 in Finland, No. 4 in the Netherlands and Sweden, and No. 9 in The United States. Volbeat is Michael Poulsen (vocals/guitar), Anders Kjølholm (bass) and Jon Larsen (drums), joined by former Anthrax/The Damned Things guitarist Rob Caggiano, who produced the new album with longtime Volbeat co-producer Jacob Hansen.

The upcoming tour marks Volbeat's fifth visit to North American this album cycle. This past year, the band has been one of the largest touring draws on the European continent headlining both festivals and a arena tour, and they appeared at the major Japanese festival Summer Sonic 2024 in both Tokyo and Osaka. Cumulatively, Volbeat has performed for over a million fans since the current album was released.

After roughly eight years, three albums, countless tours as headliners and as participants on "can't miss" festival bills and hundreds of thousands of albums sold, HELLYEAH is making their biggest and boldest statement yet with BLOOD FOR BLOOD (out 6/10/14). The lineup of Chad Gray (Mudvayne), Vinnie Paul (Pantera), Tom Maxwell (Nothingface) and Kyle Sanders (Bloodsimple) bring the sound their fans have been waiting for with the help of producer, Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment). They've exchanged some of the party-centric, good time sounds of past efforts for pure metallic fury and emotional introspection. The single “Sangre Por Sangre (Blood For Blood)” hit the Top 30 after only 2 weeks at rock radio. They pushed themselves to new limits, dared to embrace change and to take risks with their music by just doing what comes naturally.

Hailing from San Antonio, NOTHING MORE is part schizoid System Of A Down weird-isms, part Mars Volta-esque prog rock freak out, part effortless pop nous, they seamlessly barrel from churning headbang to skyscraping chorus and back again in the blink of an eye. They are equally able to dial down their bluster into deft moments of crystalline beauty when the mood takes them. Their self-titled album (out 6/24/14) that includes their Top 10 radio single “This Is The Time (Ballast)”, is a gut-punching blend made all the more powerful by a keen lyrical sophistication and philosophical undertone, which marks them out from their contemporaries.

Check out 5FDP and VOLBEAT’s co-headlining tour at the following dates this fall:

9/16 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center

9/17 Billings, MT Rimrock Auto Arena @ Metrapark

9/18 Bismarck, ND Bismarck Civic Center

9/20 Cedar Rapids, IA US Cellular Coliseum

9/21 Grand Rapids, MI Deltaplex

9/23 Syracuse, NY The Oncenter

9/25 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Arena

9/26 Lowell, MA Tsongas Center

9/27 Albany, NY Times Union Center

9/28 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

9/30 Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center

10/1 Reading, PA Santander Arena

10/3 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

10/7 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial

10/10 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena

10/11 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center

10/12 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum

10/14 Orlando, FL CFE Arena

10/16 Biloxi, MS MS Coast Coliseum

10/17 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena

10/22 Rio Rancho, NM Santa Ana Star Center

10/24 Las Vegas, NV The Joint @ Hard Rock

Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias coming to Gwinnett

2014-04-29T20:30:00Z

www.accessatlanta.com

By: Melissa Ruggieri

Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2024

Get ready to party – Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull are coming to town.

The international stars – who both have roots in Miami – will embark on a 15-city tour this fall that hits The Arena at Gwinnett Center Oct. 22.

Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin will open all dates.

The tour, which kicks off Sept. 12 in New Jersey and ends three days after the Atlanta-area show in the guys’ home turf in South Florida, isn’t the first time the hitmakers have teamed for a road show. The pair joined musical forces in 2024 for a run that also played Gwinnett.

Iglesias is touring behind his just-released “Sex and Love” album, while Mr. Worldwide continues to dominate the Top 40 charts with “Wild Wild Love” and “Timber.”

Ticket prices haven’t been announced, but pre-sale tickets for Citi card holders are up May 6, with the general on-sale starting May 9 at gwinnettcenter.com.

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & PITBULL ANNOUNCE 2024 NORTH AMERICAN FALL TOUR DATES

2014-04-29T20:00:00Z

(Los Angeles, CA - April 29, 2024) – Earlier today international superstars Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull surprised their Twitter followers and allowed fans from all over North America to help announce the duo’s fall tour dates. The social media activity sent the hashtag #EnriquePitbullTour soaring and set the tone for what will certainly be one of the best parties of the year.

Enrique & Pitbull will reunite and share the stage for a 15 city AEG Live tour that kicks off on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Fast-rising Latin urban star J Balvin is confirmed as the support act.

Enrique & Pitbull have come together to create a stage design that offers fans an immersive experience, a chance to get up close and personal with the artists for a once in a lifetime concert experience.

Citi® is the official credit card of The Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull Fall Tour. Citi® cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 6 at 10:00 am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Tickets for the general on sale begin May 9.

“There’s no better place for me than being up on stage in front of my fans,” said Enrique Iglesias. “And going on tour with a close friend and someone I admire, like Pitbull, is truly an honor. We really want to give everybody a show that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

"Going on tour again with Enrique is exciting. He's a talented music star, and also a close friend who I respect and have learned a lot from," said Pitbull. "Together we are going to give fans great music, energy and what they really deserve - to enjoy life and forget the rest for three hours, Daleee!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, PITBULL & J BALVIN Fall Concert Dates

Fri, Sep 12, 2024 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Sat, Sep 13, 2024 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Tue, Sep 16, 2024 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

Fri, Sep 19, 2024 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Thu, Sep 25, 2024 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Sat, Sep 27, 2024 Boston, MA TD Garden

Thu, Oct 2, 2024 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

Fri, Oct 3, 2024 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena

Thu, Oct 9, 2024 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center

Fri, Oct 10, 2024 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center

Tue, Oct 14, 2024 Bay Area, CA

Fri, Oct 17, 2024 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Sun, Oct 19, 2024 Houston, TX Toyota Center

Tue, Oct 21, 2024 Orlando, FL Amway Center

Wed, Oct 22, 2024 Atlanta, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center

Sat, Oct 25, 2024 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live

For more artist information please visit:

For AEG Live/Tour Information - John Reilly - 212.878.5076 / jreilly@rogersandcowan.com

Nordhia Centeno -310.854.8284 / ncenteno@rogersandcowan.com

For ENRIQUE IGLESIAS: - Joe Bonilla - Latinvasion Agency - Joe@latinvasion.com

Joseph Carozza - Republic Records - Joseph.carozza@umusic.com

For PITBULL- Tom Muzquiz - Subterranean Media - tom@subterraneanmedia.com

Sarah Weinstein Dennison - RCA Records - Sarah.weinstein@rcarecords.com

For J BALVIN - John Reilly – Rogers & Cowan - jreilly@rogersandcowan.com

Nordhia Centeno - Rogers & Cowan - ncenteno@rogersandcowan.com

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

GRAMMY, LATIN GRAMMY and Multiple Billboard Music award winner ENRIQUE IGLESIAS is one of the most successful Latin music and pop crossover artists of all-time, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, and an astounding 24 #1 “Hot Latin Songs” hits – the most, by far, in the history of the chart. His ability to craft captivating global hits transcends genres and languages as Iglesias has also notched 13 #1 tracks on the Billboard Dance Charts (the most of any male artist), and multiple hits atop the Hot 100 as well. Likewise, Enrique’s just-released new album “SEX AND LOVE” has added to his tally of now 7 #1 titles on the “Top Latin Albums” chart. This new release has already resulted in 5 more consecutive #1 singles, including the propulsive and seductively confessional smash “I’m a Freak” – which once again pairs Enrique with his tour partner Pitbull. The track is a fan favorite follow-up to their 2024 collaboration “I Like It” from Iglesias’ previous multi-platinum and chart-topping album “EUPHORIA”.

Armando Christian Perez aka PITBULL is a globally successful musician, performer, business entrepreneur, fashion icon and actor whose career sales have exceeded 5 million albums and over 50 million singles worldwide. Pitbull has had #1 hits in more than 15 countries, his videos have been viewed more than 3 billion times and his social reach matches audiences of some television networks around the world. Pitbull's latest album, Global Warming: Meltdown features the massive hit singles "Feel This Moment" with Christina Aguilera, "Don't Stop The Party," "Back In Time" from the action-comedy Men in Black 3, and his second #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart “Timber” featuring Ke$ha. Pitbull’s world tours have sold out concerts in North and South America, Europe, and the Far East. This year he was also selected along with Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte to perform the official anthem "We Are One (Ole Ola)" at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Armando is also a burgeoning business entrepreneur with his own line of premium, light vodkas, Voli, a partnership with Sheets, the dissolvable energy strip, as well as premier fragrances for men and women simply titled Pitbull. These ventures along with major sponsorship deals with blue-chip brands like Bud Light, Dr Pepper, Kodak, and Dodge, plus a television production deal announced with Endemol North America, and a strategic partnership with Playboy Enterprises that was unveiled in the music video for his new global smash hit “Wild Wild Love” featuring G.R.L. clearly define Pitbull as Mr. Worldwide.

Described as the leading next-generation Latin-Urban star “bringing dembow back to the international dance floor” J BALVIN’s recently released first album “La Familia” debuted at #1 in his native Colombia and quickly went multi-platinum. The record and its first two singles have also been a steady/growing presence in the Top-10 of iTunes U.S. Latin sales and on Latin radio playlists across the country as well. In fact, this month has seen J Balvin’s new single “6AM” quickly ascend to #1 on Billboard’s “Tropical Airplay” chart while racking up nearly 5 million YouTube views in just over a week. Additional fans also discovered the charismatic performer through his recent collaboration with Robin Thicke and Pharrell on the Latin American version of Blurred Lines. With a strong fan base also developing across Europe – where he was just named Best International Artist of the Year at Romania’s ZU Awards, J Balvin already boasts a social media following of over 10 Million fans.

# # #

UGA head coaches Richt, Fox to speak in Gwinnett

2014-04-23T14:38:00Z

By: Staff Reporter

Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2024

Georgia fans will get a chance to hear from two prominent Bulldog coaches when the UGA Days Tour passes through July 15.

The event at Gwinnett Center will feature head football coach Mark Richt and head men’s basketball coach Mark Fox. The tour features 12 stops, beginning today in Greenville, S.C. and proceeding Tuesday to the Gainesville Civic Center. The Gainesville event will feature Richt and head gymnastics coach Danna Durante.

Executive Women’s Day helps females advance in the workplace

2014-04-14T20:30:00Z

Glenn.Fukushima@atlanticrecords.com

By: Chris Stephens

Published: Monday, April 14, 2024

DULUTH — Hundreds of women from throughout the Atlanta area showed up to Monday’s Executive Women’s Day at the Greater Gwinnett Championship at the Gwinnett Center. The day was designed to give women advice and practical tools to use in the workplace as they look to advance in the future.

“The advice that was given was very helpful,” said Doreen Blaha, whose company, Georgia United Credit Union, was one of the sponsors.

The day included a forum, lunch (including a guest speaker) and breakout sessions in place of a behind-the-scenes tour of TPC Sugarloaf, due to the weather.

Channel 2 Action News’ Jovita Moore hosted a forum where five of the area’s most successful women sat on a panel.

Debbie Smith, president of Georgia United, said she advanced because she was willing to work hard to get where she wanted to go.

“I was given an opportunity to prove myself,” she said. “I put myself in positions to succeed. When I worked with a Japanese company, I took Japanese conversation so that I could better communicate with executives.”

Melinda Ashcraft, former president of Six Flags Entertainment, recalled when a human resources person told her a supervisor’s position wouldn’t be the best fit for her.

“That lit a fire in me and drove me to succeed,” Ashcraft said. “Wherever I worked, I learned about every aspect of that job and I learned how to communicate with everyone I worked with. I didn’t communicate in the same way with everyone. I learned how best to communicate with them and they liked that.”

The crowd got a few laughs when social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn spoke about the foreign culture when women work with men.

“I’ve seen women do things where they’re not seen as a leader by their male peers,” she said. “Women think if you’re doing your job as a manager you don’t have to ask for a promotion. The fact is, all of these women up here asked for promotions at some point. You have to let people know what you want and you have to dress for the job you want.”

Marci Fair, founder of Kares for Kids, said women need to get out of their head finding balance in their life.

“There is no such thing as balance,” Fair said. “The secret is tilting. You find it over time. You’ll never find it in one day. The main thing is you don’t need to beat yourself up over trying to find perfect balance. The main thing is to put what’s important to you first.”

All in all, the women attending the Executive Women’s Day were able to take home a lot in the inaugural event.

“We all have struggles and this shows that somebody else has had those same struggles,” Blaha said. “It’s all about taking the right approach to succeed.”

ED SHEERAN ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE ARENA TOUR

2014-04-14T15:00:00Z

ED SHEERAN ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE ARENA TOUR;

THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER SEPTEMBER 12

PHARRELL WILLIAMS-PRODUCED LEAD SINGLE “SING” LIGHTING UP RADIO STATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOLLOWING ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE ON NBC’S SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE;

PRE-ORDER FOR BRITISH PHENOM’S FORTHCOMING SECOND ALBUM

ROCKETS TO #1;

“x” ARRIVES JUNE 23

Atlantic recording artist Ed Sheeran has announced plans for his first-ever headlining arena tour of North America. The cross-country trek kicks off at Seattle’s WaMu Theater on August 22^nd (see attached itinerary) and marks the 3x-GRAMMY Award®-nominated artist’s first stateside tour to support his forthcoming second album, “x,” (pronounced ‘multiply’) slated to arrive June 23^rd. Pre-sale tickets for stops in Toronto, Boston, and Chicago are available starting April 22^nd, with general on sales for these dates beginning on April 25^th. More tour dates and on sales will be announced soon. For more ticket information and tour updates, please visit www.edsheeran.com.

“x” is heralded by the exhilarating lead single “Sing,” which has catapulted to the top 3 on the iTunes Singles chart. Produced and co-written by multiple GRAMMY Award®-winner Pharrell Williams, “Sing” is already lighting up radio stations across the country, becoming the most added song at Top 40/CHR, Adult, and Rhythmic/CHR formats. This past weekend, Sheeran delivered electrifying performances of “Sing” (http://www.hulu.com/watch/621827) and album track “Don’t” (http://www.hulu.com/watch/621836) on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”. “Sing” is streaming now at Sheeran’s official YouTube page (http://youtu.be/scHS8YaYoRA) where it has amassed over 2 million views in just one week.

After becoming available for pre-order (http://smarturl.it/x-itunesdlx) last week, “x” rocketed to the #1 spot on the iTunes Overall Album chart in a matter of hours. “x” is the follow-up to Sheeran’s breakthrough debut album “+” and finds the British singer-songwriter collaborating with a stellar list of producers, including multiple GRAMMY Award®-winners Rick Rubin and Jeff Bhasker, multiple GRAMMY Award®-nominee Benny Blanco, Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, and BRIT-Award nominee and “+” collaborator Jake Gosling.

* * * * *

Blending soulful vocals with organic folk introspection and irresistible hip-hop hooks, Ed Sheeran is a genuine global phenomenon. The 23-year old British singer/songwriter’s masterful debut album, “+,” entered the UK Albums Chart at #1 with the highest opening sales figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 6x-platinum. Fueled by international hit singles like “The A Team” and “Lego House,” “+” has enjoyed multi-platinum, platinum, and gold sales in nine countries around the world.

Here in the US, “The A-Team,” proved a blockbuster, earning 2x-platinum certification from the RIAA as well as a GRAMMY® Award nomination as “Song Of The Year.” Sheeran also made a record-breaking chart debut with the stateside release of “+,” which entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #5, becoming the highest debut for a U.K. solo artist's first full-length album, since 2024. Along with his three GRAMMY® nods – including the prestigious “Best New Artist” – Sheeran has accrued an array of distinguished international honors, spanning two BRIT Awards (“Best Male Artist,” “Best Breakthrough Artist”) and the 2024 Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically and Lyrically.”

Long acclaimed as a captivating and creative live performer, Sheeran spent much of the past two years traversing North America on back-to-back sold-out headline tours, the latter of which including a stop at the renowned Radio City Music Hall which sold out in a matter of minutes. Following a main support role on Taylor Swift’s massively successful “RED Tour,” Sheeran returned to New York City for a trio of sold-out headline shows at the legendary Madison Square Garden to close out his incredible 2024.

Sheeran’s honest songwriting and incredible live show has also connected with millions through the small screen with countless high profile television appearances including the 55^thAnnual GRAMMY® Awards (performing “The A Team” accompanied by Sir Elton John), the closing ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in London, NBC’s The Voice (as one of Team Christina’s mentors) and Today (where he pulled in one of last summer’s largest audiences into NYC’s Rockefeller Plaza for the show’s annual outdoor concert series), and, most recently, among the star-studded lineup on CBS’ special “The Beatles: The Night That Changed America – A GRAMMY® Salute.”

For additional news and information, please see www.edsheeran.com, www.twitter.com/EdSheeran (@EdSheeran), www.facebook.com/EdSheeranMusic and www.elektra.com.

For press materials, please see http://press.atlanticrecords.com/ed-sheeran.

(TOUR ITINERARY)

ED SHEERAN

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2024

AUGUST

22 Seattle, WA Wamu Theater

23 Vancouver, BC Ambleside Live

29 Las Vegas, NV The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan

30 Las Vegas, NV The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan

31 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena

SEPTEMBER

2 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

4 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center

8 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

9 Boston, MA Xfinity Center

11 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

12 Atlanta, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center

13 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

15 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

16 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena

18 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

(More dates to be announced)

###

Contacts:

Glenn Fukushima (National)

818.238.6833

Jason Davis (Tour/Online)

212.707.2055

Jason.Davis@atlanticrecords.com

Eric Church to perform at Gwinnett Arena

2014-04-10T14:29:00Z

Country singer Eric Church is bringing The Outsiders Tour to The Arena at the Gwinnett Center on Dec. 11, the arena announced on Wednesday.

Church has built a reputation as a restless, creative force while following an unconventional path to country stardom. His fourth album, The Outsiders, is his most revealing, personally-charged statement.

“I really see this album as a game changer for us,” Church said. “I want people to know that we’re here and that we will be reckoned with.”

Beyond its diverse approach, one of The Outsiders’ recurring lyrical motifs inspired the album’s title and holds considerable personal resonance for Church.

“I’ve always felt like an outsider, and I still feel that way, “Church said. “That feeling is something that you never lose, no matter how much acceptance you get.”

The sale date for tickets has not been announced. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE TO BRING THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE WORLD TOUR BACK TO NORTH AMERICA

2014-04-07T11:05:00Z

AWARD-WINNING ARTIST’S FIRST HEADLINING TOUR IN SIX YEARS HAS BEEN SELLING OUT VENUES AROUND THE WORLD AND HAS JUST ANNOUNCED A RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA THIS FALL

TICKETS GO ON-SALE MONDAY, APRIL 14TH AT 10AM

“In a show running to close to two and half hours, he keeps it all up faultlessly. There's no drop off in his live vocals, no exhausted retirement from the dance routines, no moment when his charm offensive isn't fully weaponised.”

- Manchester Evening News

“The 33-year-old gave a…masterclass in the art of arena performance: all soaring vocals, choreography, stagecraft and immaculate pacing.”

- The Telegraph, UK

(New York, NY) – Thanks to overwhelming demand, Justin Timberlake announced today the, globally celebrated, 20/20 Experience World Tour will return to North America this fall. The newly announced North American shows will include stops in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Toronto, Philadelphia, and more. The 20/20 Experience World Tour is promoted worldwide by Live Nation Global Touring.

“Not A Bad Thing” is the latest single off of The 20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience which has sold over 6 million albums worldwide to date. The video/mini doc for “Not A Bad Thing” can currently be viewed here: http://smarturl.it/nabt.

Tickets for the newly announced North American shows on The 20/20 Experience World Tour will go on sale Monday, April 14th at 10am. Justin Timberlake’s all-new fan club, The Tennessee Kids (#TNKids), will have access to a pre-sale starting on April 8th. Fans should visit http://thetennesseekids.justintimberlake.com to register for the fan club and receive a special code to access the pre-sale. A pre-sale for MasterCard cardholders will begin on April 9th.

A full list of cities, venues and on-sale dates is listed below. For the latest information regarding pre-sale and on-sale dates, please visit www.justintimberlake.com. Hashtag: #JT2020TOUR

THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE WORLD TOUR – NORTH AMERICA FALL 2024 *All dates and venues below subject to change.

Date                       City                           Venue                                  Public On-Sale
Nov. 20                 Portland, OR          MODA Center                        On Sale Apr 14
Nov. 22                 Oakland, CA             Oracle Arena                     On Sale Apr 14
Nov. 24                 Los Angeles, CA       The Forum                        On Sale Apr 14
Nov. 28                 Las Vegas, NV           MGM Grand Garden Arena   On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 1                    Houston, TX             Toyota Center                 On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 3                    Dallas, TX                American Airlines Center      On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 5                    Oklahoma City, OK   Chesapeake Energy Arena     On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 8                    Chicago, IL               United Center                        On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 10                 Toronto, ON               Air Canada Centre                 On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 13                 Uncasville, CT           Mohegan Sun                        On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 14                 Brooklyn, NY              Barclays Center                    On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 17                 Philadelphia, PA       Wells Fargo Center                 On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 19                 Nashville, TN             Bridgestone Arena                 On Sale Apr 14
Dec. 20                 Atlanta, GA                Arena @ Gwinnett Center       On Sale Apr 14

About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.

Gwinnett Center Selects Tiverity to Deploy Wireless Network Upgrade

2014-04-04T14:59:00Z

www.prweb.com

Published: Friday, April 4, 2024

Tiverity, an Atlanta based IT Service Provider and Cisco Premier Partner, recently announced that Gwinnett Center; which includes an indoor arena, performing arts center, convention center, and an arts center in Duluth, GA, selected Tiverity to deploy a Cisco Meraki Wireless Solution which will upgrade and replace their existing Switching Network Firewalls and Wireless infrastructure to support their entire campus environment.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center hosts major events from ECHL hockey to concerts and family shows. The Arena features a state-of-the-art house reduction system which can easily, comfortably and quickly convert the space for groups ranging from 3,500 to 13,000. Therefore, the Meraki Cloud Management solution implemented by Tiverity will support thousands of users on their wireless & switching infrastructure, which will ultimately provide a more proficient mobile platform reducing the need to have hands on interaction with the equipment as in the past.

“We are excited to partner with a local company like Tiverity for Gwinnett Center’s IT upgrade,” said assistant general manager, Ron Jackson. “This partnership will ensure a great initial purchase experience and it will also provide dependable local support as well.”

“It is exciting to be a part of Gwinnett Center’s Technology Upgrade”, stated Pete Schamberger, Tiverity CEO. “Our partnering success with their organization affirms one of our most touted internal values – We build partnerships, not client lists. We strongly believe that customer engagements based on strategic, long-term technology planning enable both parties to reach or exceed their overall business goals while realizing the highest return possible on their technological investments.”

For more information about the Meraki Cloud Management solutions or other solutions provided by Tiverity, please send all inquiries to info(at)tiverity(dot)com.

About Tiverity
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2024, Tiverity is an IT Service Provider, Systems Integrator and Value-added Reseller of network communications and contact center products, collaborative solutions, and innovative technologies. The award-winning IT consulting and Services practice around which the company was formed, providing strategic allocation and utilization of contact center resources, has been in place since 1998. Tiverity is a privately-held company striving to provide small and mid-size organizations with affordable, scalable, and easy-to-manage integrated technology solutions. For more information on Tiverity, visit http://www.tiverity.com.

About Gwinnett Center
Just minutes outside of Atlanta, Gwinnett Center’s 80-acre lakefront campus can accommodate a variety of events from concerts, performances, meetings, trade shows, conventions, banquets, and celebrations. The multipurpose campus includes an amazing 13,000 seat arena, a 702-seat Performing Arts Center, 23 versatile meeting rooms, a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, and a 21,600 square foot grand ballroom. Gwinnett Center is beautifully landscaped and architecturally stunning facility with an award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums and modern angles which provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. The campus, operated by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, distinguishes itself by hosting a diverse range of events, including the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, Lady Gaga, Catalyst Convention, George Strait, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Menopause the Musical, American Idol Live!, Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Michael Bublé, MUSE, and many more. For a full list of events, please visit http://gwinnettcenter.com.

Valor Awards honor those involved in firefighter hostage situation

2014-03-26T18:22:00Z

By: Tyler Estep

Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2024

DULUTH — On April 10, 2024, a Suwanee man took several Gwinnett County firefighters hostage inside his home, triggering a SWAT standoff that ultimately ended with an explosion, gunfire and his death.

Many of the law enforcement officials involved with that day’s perilous, dramatic events — firefighters, police officers and dispatchers — were among those honored Wednesday at the Gwinnett Center.

“It’s nice to get recognized every once in a while,” Gwinnett police Sgt. Jeff Johnston said afterward.

The Gwinnett Chamber’s Valor Awards cover several different public safety categories each year, including the Lifesaving Award, the Medal of Merit (recognizing an “outstanding public safety program”) and public safety unit and person of the year. There were many different winners on Wednesday, but the events of April 10 dominated the luncheon.

Valor Awards, the highest honor bestowed by the Chamber, were given to each of the Gwinnett County firefighters taken hostage: Driver Engineer Tim Hollingsworth, Firemedic Sidney Garner and Firefighters Chip Echols, Jody Moss and Jason Schuon.

They were also given to several responding members of Gwinnett County police SWAT team: Johnston, Officer Nick Boney and Sgt. Jason Teague.

All were appreciative, if not a little attention averse.

“I think it was nice to be honored as a group, and I’m glad that everyone received the honors and that it wasn’t an (individual) one,” Hollingsworth said.

Added Garner: “To quote (Hollingsworth), it will be something that I can tell my kids and my grandkids. When they ask what is was for, (I’ll say), ‘It’s because we had a really bad day at work.’”

Teague fired the shot that killed hostage-taker Lauren Brown that day, and was shot through his own left forearm in the process. He was given a Purple Heart Award on Wednesday.

“It’s not that I’m trying to be overly humble,” Teague said. “You can ask (Boney or Johnston) or any of those guys. We’ll do it again in five minutes if we have to, we’ll do it a year from now. It’s what we do.”

Lauren Sullins and Natosha Etheridge, who helped handle the hostage case, were named Communications Officers of the Year.

Those honored Wednesday also included: Jerry and Matthew Anderson, civilians who helped Snellville police detain an armed robber during an incident in February 2024; Gwinnett County police officers Joshua Bowie and Jeff Madsen, for their Nov. 22 efforts saving a man from a burning truck; and Snellville Police Department Officer Jennifer Rain Nieddu, who tallied 374 arrests in 2024.

VIDEO: 'Behind the Scenes' ... at the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

2014-03-23T18:27:00Z

By: Brendan Sullivan

Published: Sunday, March 23, 2024

In this week's 'Behind the Scenes' segment, we give you an inside look at the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's Cinderella production. (Video By Brendan Sullivan)

Editor's note: This is a weekly video segment, 'Behind the Scenes,' where we show you things you normally wouldn't see at a local establishment. Go to our website every Monday for a new video.

In this week's 'Behind the Scenes' segment, we give you an inside look at the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's production of Cinderella.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents Cinderella at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth on March 29-30th.

"It isn't just the costumes and the sets, the making of the dancer takes years and years and years," Marketing Director Holley Calmes said.

MOBILE USERS: Click HERE to watch 'Behind the Scenes' at the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre.

ART BEAT: Gwinnett Ballet Theatre unveils new production of ‘Cinderella’

2014-03-20T18:33:00Z

By: Holley Calmes

Published: Thursday, March 20, 2024

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will present a beautiful new production of the ballet “Cinderella” on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center.

The beloved fairy tale is enjoying a restaging in both choreography and costuming. Sumptuous new tutus, ball gowns and other attire will be worn by GBT’s dancers. The choreography by Artistic Director Wade Walthall will provide a family-friendly event of the highest artistic quality.

Performances will be held at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Tickets are available from $11 to $20 and can be purchased through gwinnettcenter.com or by calling 1-888-929-7849.

Cinderella will be performed to the music of Ottorino Respighi, an Italian composer famous for his melodic orchestral works of the early 20th century.

“This production of ‘Cinderella’ was restaged for Gwinnett Ballet Theatre in 2024,” Walthall said. “The current production is updated with new costumes and a fresh new look.”

Costumes are being created by Barbara Mock, who has been producing stunning designs for Atlanta performing artists for more than 35 years.

“It is so much fun to work on a fairy tale ballet,” she said. “I am having a ball making ball gowns! There is glitter in my house everywhere. I am going to be sparkling for a month.”

Mock has been hand dyeing fabrics to produce a magical palette of fairy tale pastels.

“We are using brocades, antique lace, old jewelry and hundreds of yards of tulle,” Mock said. “I am also using over 3,000 crystals to be hand sewn on the costumes.”

Cinderella also lends itself to a very exciting tie-in with neighboring Medieval Times. The public is invited to a special event at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. A knight from Medieval Times in “shining armor” on a Friesian steed will bring the glass slipper to the steps of the theater. Patrons are welcome to come early and enjoy greeting this knight and seeing the glass slipper delivered to the “Queen of Duluth.” There’s just enough time for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, and then a return to the theater at 2:30 for the final show.

And although visitors at the 12:30 p.m. Sunday event will be able to see a real knight and his steed up close, and experience the delivery of the glass slipper, they will need a ticket to the 2:30 performance to see if the slipper fits.

Dancing the lead role as Cinderella and Prince Charming will be GBT dancer Abigrace Diprima and Ricardo Runa of the National Ballet Conservatory of Portugal. Abigrace was recently named a finalist to participate in the New York City Finals for Youth American Grand Prix.

For more information about “Cinderella,” Gwinnett Ballet Theatre or classes or summer intensives, visit www.gwinnettballet.org or call 770-237-0046.

Graduation dates, times released for Gwinnett high schools

2014-03-17T14:20:00Z

By: Tyler Estep

Published: Monday, March 17, 2024

LAWRENCEVILLE — Gwinnett’s high school seniors — and their parents — can now officially begin the countdown.

Gwinnett County Public Schools released Monday its 2024 graduation schedule, revealing the dates, times and location of ceremonies for its 21 high schools.

All but seven of the graduations, dates ranging from May 19 to 26, will be held at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Brookwood, Central Gwinnett, Mill Creek and Parkview high schools will hold ceremonies at their respective football stadiums. Phoenix High School (the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center); the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (Gwinnett Center, Exhibit Hall A); and Gwinnett Online Campus (Gwinnett Online Campus) will also be held elsewhere.

The full list of graduations, in alphabetical order:

— Archer: Noon on Friday, May 23; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Berkmar: 8 a.m. on Monday, May 26; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Brookwood: 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Brookwood Community Stadium

— Central Gwinnett: 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Central Gwinnett High Stadium

— Collins Hill: 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Dacula: 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 24; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Duluth: 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24: Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Grayson: 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 25; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Gwinnett Online Campus: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21; Gwinnett Online Campus

— Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology: 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Gwinnett Center, Exhibit Hall A

— Lanier: 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Meadowcreek: 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 25; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Mill Creek: 8 p.m. on Thursday May 22; Markham Field

— Mountain View: 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Norcross: Noon on Monday, May 26; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— North Gwinnett: 8 a.m. on Friday, May 23; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Parkview: 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22; Parkview High Stadium

— Peachtree Ridge: 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 24; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— Phoenix: 7 p.m. on Monday, May 19; Gwinnett Performing Arts Center

— Shiloh: 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23; Arena at Gwinnett Center

— South Gwinnett: Noon on Saturday, May 24; Arena at Gwinnett Center

GCPS looking for certified teachers

2014-03-16T14:25:00Z

By: Keith Farner

Published: Sunday, March 16, 2024

As Gwinnett County Public Schools makes hiring decisions for next school year, when it’s expected to have 172,000 students, it will have an annual job fair next week to interview certified teachers.

The job fair is scheduled to be from 8 a.m. to noon on March 22 at the Gwinnett Center at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Those interested should visit the GCPS web site at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us to apply online because there are a limited number of interview times available.

The district is looking for candidates who are certified, or will be certified by this fall, in math, science, special education, speech language pathology, Spanish, French, IT programming/engineering, computer science, elementary endorsements in English for speakers of other languages, gifted education and elementary certified candidates who are highly fluent in Spanish or French with a complete mastery of the vocabulary necessary to teach elementary content in those languages.

Associate Superintendent Frances Davis recently told the Gwinnett County Board of Education that the district expects to hire 850 teachers as it makes personnel plans for next school year. As of late last month, the district had 17 vacancies, mostly in special education, which continues to be listed as a “critical need” area in the district’s staffing reports.

In recent months, the district has also experienced shortages in speech language pathology, middle and high school French and Spanish teachers and bus managers.

“We’re really, really focusing more heavily on our critical needs,” Davis said. “There are some areas that are not as critical as others, so we’re making sure we’re reaching out to all of the applicants in the critical needs area.”

Harlem Globetrotters bringing 'Fans Rule' Tour to Arena

2014-03-13T14:22:00Z

By: Deanna Allen

Published: Thursday, March 13, 2024

Brother Bones’ whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown” — the Harlem Globetrotters’ signature song — will be heard throughout the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday.

The exhibition basketball team, which combines athleticism, theater and comedy, will entertain Gwinnett fans with a game at 7:30 p.m. as the Globetrotters’ Blue Team brings the 2024 “Fans Rule” World Tour to the Arena.

Before fans head out to the game, they have the opportunity to go online to www.harlemglobetrotters.com/rule and vote for a new rule that will be added to the game each quarter.

“The fourth quarter is a live vote based on applause,” Globetrotter Buckets Blakes said.

New rules include the following:

• Make or Miss — This quarter starts with two players from each team. In order to get more players on the court the teams need to score. Each time a team scores, another player from that team may enter the court. However, for every shot the team misses they lose a player.

• Hot Hand Jersey — Both teams will have a hot hand jersey they can pass among each other to wear during this quarter. The player wearing the jersey will be awarded double points when they score.

• Trick Shot Challenge — Each team has three trick shot challenges during the quarter. If the team makes the trick shot challenge they get 5 points. If they miss, the other team gets the 5 points.

• 6 on 5 — Five Globetrotters will play six opponents.

• TWO Ball Basketball — Globetrotter basketball played with two balls at the same time.

How does Buckets react to the new rules each quarter?

“It’s actually fun,” he said. “You have these anticipatory feelings, you know excitement, so to speak. It’s exciting to have to improvise.”

Buckets said his favorite rule is Hot Hands Jersey.

“They call me Buckets cause I can score a lot of baskets,” he said.

While scoring is important, there’s an entertainment factor to the game.

“There’s an entertainment aspect of the game that allows you to kind of turn off the real seriousness of basketball for a second and entertain, then you have to turn it back on, the seriousness, because at the end of the day you want to win the game.”

Audiences can expect an interesting approach to the game of basketball when the Globetrotters play.

“They’re gonna get a chance to see some amazing basketball be played,” Buckets said. “They’re gonna see some trick shots close to the basket, from half court and maybe even from the stands. They’re gonna see lots of crowd participation.”

After the game, fans will get the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs signed before the players head to the locker rooms.

For more information on the event, visit gwinnettcenter.com.

Special Initiatives Set for SEC Women's Basketball Tournament

2014-03-03T17:20:00Z

The SEC will bring two initiatives to the 2024 Women’s Basketball Tournament, held March 5-9 at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.

On Friday, March 7, fans are asked to wear purple to support the conference’s We Back Pat initiative. The first 1500 fans wearing purple to the evening session games will receive a Fierce Courage bracelet courtesy of the Pat Summitt Foundation.

The Pat Summitt Foundation, A Fund of East Tennessee Foundation, is dedicated to winning the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Its mission as a grant-making foundation is to advance research for prevention and a cure; to provide hope, care, and critical support for patients, caregivers and families; and to educate the public on the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and the urgent need for a cure.

On Saturday (March 8) and Sunday (March 9), the SEC invites all fans to drop off new or gently used sneakers in support of Scouting for Shoes and INNERSOLE. Drop-off boxes will be available at the main entrance to The Arena at Gwinnett Center throughout the weekend and INNERSOLE will provide a t-shirt to the first 500 fans that donate a pair of shoes.

The Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta will work with ShoeBox Recycling, which is a non-profit recycler for shoes, to send the recycled shoes to various marketplaces in the US and around the developing world. INNERSOLE, a fund of the Central Carolina Community Foundation founded by South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley will take donations of new sneakers and provide them to children who are homeless or who are in need.

Reserved ticket books are available now. A ticket book for the tournament contains seven tickets, one for each session, which allows one person to attend all 13 games and can be purchased for $90, the Wednesday and Thursday sessions will be all general admission seating, first-come, first-served.

Reserved tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 732-4849 or by visiting SECsports.com. Single session tickets on-sale now.

Brackets released for this week's SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Arena at Gwinnett Center

2014-03-02T15:00:00Z

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Published: March 2, 2024

It took deciphering a few tiebreakers, one of them a five-way deadlock, before the Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Tournament brackets could be released Sunday night.

The five-day showcase, held this week at the Arena at Gwinnett Center, had to wait for Sunday's games to finish before finalizing the brackets. But even those results didn't clear up a few things.

Two tiebreakers were simple because Tennessee defeated Texas A&M head-to-head to earn the No. 2 seed and Arkansas defeated Missouri head-to-head for the No. 12 seed. The other tiebreaker wasn't quite as easy.

Five teams tied for the sixth seed — Auburn, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Georgia and LSU — and the resolution process began with winning percentage among the tied teams.

Auburn took the No. 6 seed, then the process started over without factoring in the Tigers. That gave Alabama the No. 7 seed, followed by Vanderbilt at No. 8, Georgia at No. 9 and LSU at No. 10.

The Bulldogs, playing just down the road from Athens, play their tourney opener Thursday at noon vs. Vanderbilt. The winner will face top-seeded South Carolina at noon Friday.

"Our conference has never experienced a year like this one," UGA head coach Andy Landers said. "The competitiveness of our league is illustrated perfectly in the final standings. I doubt that anyone would have believed prior to the season that this type of finish was possible, but I suspect that everyone in our league believed that this could occur after about three weeks into conference play. It was upside down then."

The tournament begins Wednesday with a pair of games, beginning with Missouri vs. Mississippi State at 6 p.m. The nightcap will feature Arkansas vs. Ole Miss at approximately 8:30 p.m.

UGA kicks off Thursday's play at noon, followed by No. 5 seed Florida vs. the Missouri-Mississippi State winner at 2:30 p.m. The 6 p.m. game is between No. 7 seed Alabama and No. 10 LSU. The 8:30 p.m. game that night is Auburn vs. the Arkansas-Ole Miss winner.

The tourney's top four seeds — South Carolina, No. 2 Tennessee, No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 4 Kentucky — have a bye until Friday's games.

SportSouth will televise the tournament's early rounds, while ESPNU will air Saturday's semifinals, which are scheduled for noon and 2:30 p.m. The championship game is on ESPN Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center is hosting the tourney for the second straight year and fourth time overall (it also was held in Duluth in 2024 and 2024).

Tournament Bracket

ART BEAT: Southern Ballet Theatre to present 'Rapunzel' at Performing Arts Center

2014-02-27T15:00:00Z

By: Holley Calmes

Published: February 27, 2024

Rapunzel will let down her long, silky hair during Southern Ballet Theatre’s production of the ballet named for the young heroine trapped in a tower. The classic tale does have a happy ending, however!

Four performances will be held. Evening shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, and matinees will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9. Tickets are $16 in advance for adults, $14.50 for seniors and students, and $11 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets at the door are $18.50, $16.50 and $11.50, respectively. Tickets can be purchased at the Gwinnett Center box office or by calling 1-888-9AXS-TIX. Patrons can also call the SBT studios for tickets at 678-682-9238.

Two special events are a part of this production in addition to the dancing on stage. Immediately after the evening shows, audiences can join cast members outside to send off lanterns into the evening sky. For matinees, audience members will be given their own lanterns to take home so that they can have magical moments in their own backyards.

Another event will be held at the Hudgens Center next door to the theatre. A special Princess Tea Party will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, in the Grand Hall. Tickets for this tea party are $35 per person and include a priority seating ticket to the 2:30 performance that day. Tea, sandwiches, cupcakes and juice will be served.

“Rapunzel is a timeless tale, known and loved by all ages,” said Alicia Chitwood, SBT’s associate director. “We want you to join us for a magical night under the lanterns. We will infuse the splendor of ballet with lots of energy, excitement and humor.”

The production is one all family members can enjoy.

“We have amazing sets that would not be complete without a 30-foot tower,” Chitwood said.

The cast includes 45 SBT company dancers. Costumes and special effects have been designed by Michele Deedy. In addition to SBT’s dancers, additional performers from the Southern Performing Arts Academy will appear as flowers, fairies and “little pub rascals.”

The lead role of Rapunzel will be danced by Brooke Bennett, a senior at Brookwood High School. The role of Gothel will be performed by Faith Candino, a sophomore at Grayson High School. Caroline Deedy and Alyssa Watkins play the Stabella Sisters. The role of Flint will be performed by SBT’s Artistic Director Brandon Chitwood.

A special performance for select students in Gwinnett County will be performed as a field trip, exposing young students to the performing arts as a part of SBT’s outreach program.

SBT is housed at Southern Performing Arts Academy located at 3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 16, in Lawrenceville. To learn more about Southern Ballet Theatre and Southern Performing Arts Academy, visit www.southernballettheatre.com or call 678-682-9238.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

'Pink in the Rink' has special meaning for Gladiators' ice crew

2014-02-26T21:10:00Z

By: Katie Morris

Published: February 26, 2024

The Gwinnett Gladiator’s Pink in the Rink fundraiser is back this week for its seventh year, but this time the cause has hit close to home for those who work on the ice. Scott Wages, a member of the ice crew for numerous years, has an 11-year-old son, Tyler Wages, who is battling cancer.

“(Scott’s) life has just been turned upside down, and Tyler has been so tough in the hospital,” said Billy McConnell, the arena’s ice operations supervisor.

McConnell wore his blue #TeamTyler bracelet while spraying the pink coating on the ice and said, “I’ll never take it off.”

In what has become a tradition for the team, the Gladiators partner with Sport of Giving, Gwinnett Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for the early detection of, and recovery from, different kinds of cancer. Pink in the Rink has raised $275,000 over the past six years, said Christi Johnson, director of media, game operations and merchandising. The Gladiators host Pink in the Rink toward the end of the season instead of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month, because it works better with their schedule.

A seven-man crew spent half the day Monday on the ice using a Jet Ice spray system with a 125-gallon tank to coat the rink with a mixture of clearcoat pink, resin and cold water. The rink will be a pale pink for Tuesday’s Gladiator game, but the official Pink in the Rink fundraising event will occur at games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

In addition to painting the rink pink, the Gladiators will be selling Pink in the Rink merchandise at the team store, and any sale involving pink merchandise will go toward the overall funds raised over the weekend. Customers can also show support for Pink in the Rink Weekend by purchasing a 6- or 12-voucher Pink Pack. The packs include undated vouchers good for any of the Gladiators remaining regular season games and a voucher redeemable for an official 2024 Pink in the Rink Puck.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gwinnettgladiators.com.

Science fair celebrates 36th anniversary

2014-02-26T15:00:00Z

By; Keith Farner

Published: February 26, 2024

As a Central Gwinnett High student in 1993, Jonathon Wetherington remembers the magnetic levitation train being a big deal. Now, the popular exhibits are about computer simulations and software application development.

As Gwinnett County Public Schools’ director of science, Wetherington said he remembers being inspired by teacher Gary Loveless, which kick-started a career in science that began as a participant in the Gwinnett County Regional Science Fair.

The 36th annual installment opens on Friday at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, and Wetherington believes students could see him as a first-hand example of how students could view a career path.

“I think it’s a great example,” he said. “The training in science and engineering opens an unlimited number of fields for students. Powerful life skills that translate across many areas. Other things in my life connected me into science. The fair really is a great example of those experiences that we inspire students in education, medicine, health, science and engineering.”

This year, more than 800 Gwinnett students will compete with 600 projects which already have won first-place at their local school science fairs. The students who advanced to this districtwide regional competition will be judged by Georgia professionals and scientists who will assess them on scientific quality, accuracy, creativity and experimental design.

Because of the growth in student participation, there will be two awards ceremonies this year. The ceremony for students in kindergarten through fifth grade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while students in sixth grade through high school will be recognized from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Last year we had such a large showing for our awards ceremony that we ran out of space,” Wetherington said. “We don’t want to violate fire code while we’re celebrating student success.”

Wetherington began his career as a bioscience pharmacologist researching epilepsy and said participating in the fair was a life-changing event.

“At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” he recalled as a student. “The science and engineering fair cemented my desire to be a scientist.”

After four years as a researcher, Wetherington said he was drawn to the classroom because of the opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math that students weren’t necessarily aware of.

Wetherington said in recent years, more schools see the fair as an instructional opportunity because students need to collect data, communicate results and write a conclusion to the project, so it brings skills from different content areas into one project.

Schools and communities also see a value in the fair because it brings groups and organizations together to work on a common goal.

“I’m excited to see the students,” Wetherington said. “Students are so excited; they bring so much energy to the fair that everyone leaves feeling valued and it was worth the time everyone invests.”

Several high school student researchers will participate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the “Distinguished Research Symposium,” which provides students a forum to share their research with the community.

From Collins Hill High Raheela Charania, a senior, on “Determining Which Species Contain the Wolbachia Infection,”; Karen Gu, junior, “Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity in Drosophila,” Aksal Vashi, junior and Fernando Cruz, senior, on “Fruit Waste Based Ammonia-Biosorptive Permeable Barriers.”

From the Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology, Willie Jin, a senior, on “Developing Novel Protein Targets for Bordetella Pertussis Antibiotics: Understanding Protein Interfaces and Domain-Domain Interactions”; Simran Modi, sophomore, “An Assessment of Cardiac Troponin T in a Post-Myocardial Infarction Porcine Model.”

From Mill Creek High, Sergio Parra, a senior, “Designing the M.A.R.S. Suit,” Mounika Pogula, a senior, “Chemical Pollution and Water Quality.”

From Mountain View High, Peter Schlueter, a senior, “Saving the World from the Trematodes: A New Biological Control-The Giant Waterbug.”

From Parkview High, Debarshi Ryan Bhowmik, a sophomore, “Optimal Microenvironment for Growth of Nephrons from Stem Cells.”

From Buford High, Danielle Brooks, a junior, “Temperature Tampers Time.”

SEC Basketball Tournaments Mobile App Now Available

2014-02-25T00:13:00Z

The official Southeastern Conference Basketball Tournaments mobile application is now available for download, providing complete information regarding the 2024 SEC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments and all the surrounding events.

The free app is available for both iPhone and Android and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching “SEC Basketball Tournaments”

The 2024 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament takes place March 5-9 at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga., and the 2024 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled for March 12-16 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show coming to Gwinnett

2014-02-24T21:16:00Z

By: Camie Young

Published: February 24, 2024

A rock-concert style tribute to the King of Pop will come to Gwinnett, as one of the stops on the Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.

Cirque du Soleil, as well as the Jackson’s estate, announced Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 concert dates at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth.

The show, which is a departure from Cirque du Soleil’s previous shows, is one of the top 10 grossing music tours of all time, since its premiere in October of 2024.

Using Jackson’s music and lyrics, the show features 49 international dancers, musicians and acrobats in a rock-concert format to present the late artist’s messages of love, peace and unity, a press release said.

Starting Monday, Cirque Club members have exclusive access to purchase presale tickets at www.cirqueclub.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29. Ranging in price from $50 to $150, tickets will be available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX, as well as at the Arena’s box office or at GwinnettCenter.com.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour Stop in Duluth, GA

2014-02-24T17:00:00Z

DULUTH TOUR STOP ON MAY 10 & 11, 2024 AT THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER

Exclusive Presale Window Begins Today

General Onsale Begins February 28, 2024

Duluth, February 28, 2024 – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil announced today that Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, one of the top 10 grossing music tours of all time, will perform in Duluth on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2024 at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Since its world premiere in Montreal in October 2024, this electrifying production has thrilled audiences across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Starting today Cirque Club members have exclusive access to purchase presale tickets online at www.cirqueclub.com. Starting February 28 at 10am, tickets will be available to the general public at www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX. Tickets range from $50 to $150 each.

Created by Cirque du Soleil and directed by Jamie King, THE IMMORTAL World Tour is a departure from the company’s previous touring shows. Featuring 49 international dancers, musicians, and acrobats, it is presented in a rock concert format that combines the excitement and innovation of Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil’s unparalleled creativity.

The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances, the show underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity, and the band includes some of the same artists who previously worked side by side with Michael. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

'Lone Survivor' tells story at Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation gala

2014-02-22T21:14:00Z

By: Keith Farner

Published: February 22, 2024

DULUTH — A fast-talking Texan who was ambushed in Afghanistan in 2024 shared a blow-by-blow account of the battle, and his teammates, before a black-tie crowd who gasped at every emotional detail.

Marcus Luttrell, the man the movie “Lone Survivor” is based on visited Gwinnett on Saturday night as the featured speaker of the sixth annual Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation Cornerstone Society Gala at the Gwinnett Center. The movie, which opened in recent months, is based on the 2024 book Luttrell co-wrote with Patrick Robinson, stars Mark Wahlberg, who portrays Luttrell in the film.

Luttrell was accompanied at the gala by his white Labrador service dog, Mr. Rigby.

“Most of the time people have me is to give perspective on what a bad day really is,” Luttrell said. “I know everybody likes to see war as black and white, but if you don’t fight in the gray, you’re going to lose.”

Attendees of the gala contributed at least $1,000 in personal or corporate donations to the Foundation in the last year. The event was co-chaired by Fiona and Dr. Manfred Sandler.

Luttrell follows well-known keynote speakers at the gala such as last year’s featured guests Kyle Maynard, a congenital quadruple amputee and Collins Hill High School graduate, and Aimee Copeland, a Snellville woman who drew national media attention after she suffered a bacteria infection from a 2024 homemade zipline incident.

Previously, the gala has hosted Ted Koppel, James Carville and Mary Matalin, Bob and Lee Woodruff and Frank Abagnale.

Jason Chandler, president of the GMC Foundation, said it was a night to thank the hundreds of donors who gave more than $4 million last year.

“The message that resonates throughout his book is never quit, and we see that spirit in our hospitals every day,” Chandler said. “They don’t give up on healing patients no matter how hard the case is. And the patients, they don’t quit, even if it’s a tough diagnosis.”#The GMC

Foundation also handed out its annual awards. Joe Shafer was recognized with the Legacy Award, Jay Desai was honored with the Physician Champion Award, Tom Andersen was given the Distinguished Service Award and Cheryl MacMillan the Desai Compassionate Care Award.

Luttrell, 38, a Navy SEAL fighting in Afghanistan in 2024, was the lone survivor of a mission called Operation Red Wings where three other SEALs were killed during a reconnaissance mission targeting a Taliban commander.

A crew of 16 in a rescue helicopter were killed after it drew fire from the Taliban.

Thanks to an Afghan villager, Luttrell survived despite suffering a broken back, torn rotator cuff, broken nose and a gunshot wound after he fell down a mountain and crawled seven miles to safety. He still battles post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Afghan villager protected Luttrell for six days before American forces rescued him.

Luttrell completed one more tour before he medically retired. Luttrell also was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in Afghanistan. In the weeks since the movie was released, Luttrell has defended it against critics who called it “pro-war propaganda.”

Luttrell, who has a twin brother, was born and raised in Texas, and began training for the SEALs when he was 14-years-old.

Luttrell and his wife Melanie have a son Axe, who is named after Matthew Axelson, a SEAL team member who was killed during Operation Red Wings, and a daughter, Addie.

In 2024, Luttrell started the Lone Survivor Foundation, which has a misson that, “restores, empowers, and renews hope for our wounded service members and their families through health, wellness, and therapeutic support.”

North Atlanta Home Show opens at Gwinnett Center

2014-02-21T21:12:00Z

By: Keith Farner

Published: February 21, 2024

Featuring the latest products and services for home remodeling, interior decorating, landscaping and outdoor living, the 17th annual North Atlanta Home Show opened on Friday for a weekend at the Gwinnett Center.

The three-day event includes speakers, door prizes, live radio broadcasts and buyer discounts. General admission is $7 and free for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Tickets for seniors 65 and over with ID are $6, and $5 for military personnel with ID. Attendees are invited to print out a $1 off coupon from www.AtlantaHomeShow.com. Gwinnett Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Onsite parking is free.

“The North Atlanta Home Show is very popular with exhibitors and attendees,” Michael Schoppenhorst, president of SEMCO Productions, said in a press release. “All of our exhibit space is full, and we have a waiting list of potential exhibitors who are interested in participating.

The show is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Weather forces state wrestling tourney at Arena at Gwinnett Center to be condensed

2014-02-10T21:25:00Z

By: Brandon Brigman

Published: February 10, 2024

The traditional state wrestling tournament was condensed to two days, the Georgia High School Association announced on Monday.

The tournament at the Arena at Gwinnett Center was originally scheduled for three days, beginning Thursday.

However, because of the winter weather conditions heading to Georgia this week, the GHSA moved the tournament to Friday and Saturday.

The tournament will remain double elimination. Because the tournament is being condensed to two days, wrestlers will have to weigh-in on Friday and Saturday. They will receive a one-pound allowance on Friday and two pounds on Saturday.

The tentative schedule has the tournament beginning Friday at 9 a.m.

Saturday will begin with the semifinals at 9:30 a.m. The finals are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.

Archer is the defending state champion in Class AAAAAA.

Special circus preview show brings out a crowd

2014-02-08T03:00:00Z

By: Deanna Allen

Published: February 7, 2024

Ashley Lange looked like a seasoned circus performer posing with a big smile in a bright pink dress emblazoned with gold stars.

Nearby at the wardrobe rack, 11-year-olds Madeline Ellis and Katie Cappello laughed while looking through several costumes, all clothing children could try on during a special preview for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s latest show, Built to Amaze!, at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Lange, a 12-year-old Dacula resident, and Ellis and Cappello, both of Suwanee, were three of more than 200 children to attend the Friday evening event, which was sponsored by Gas South and preceded the full circus show.

The preview was open to special-needs children and their friends and family and included tiger demonstrations, performances by clowns and dancers, a unicycle basketball game, an elephant demonstration and more.

This is Gas South’s fifth year hosting the special preview.

“It’s been an event that has grown and become even more special every year that we’ve done it,” said Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South. “We have really had a great time treating kids and their families to a great experience at the circus year after year.”

Leaders celebrated at Gwinnett Chamber event

2014-02-08T03:00:00Z

By: Camie Young

Published: February 7, 2024

Gwinnett’s movers and shakers made merry Friday, at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, toasting local leaders for contributions to the community.

Former Norcross Mayor Lillian Webb, whose decades of service included becoming the first woman to chair the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners, was honored as the Citizen of the Year, 65 years after she took home a public service award at the Chamber’s first dinner.

“I am so pleased,” said Webb, who pointed to her accomplishments — from the building of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center to the civic center where the festivities were held — to the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax created by the legislature. “Look at what the penny did for all of us.”

This year, some of the state’s highest ranked politicians joined the crowd, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Congressmen Phil Gingrey and Jack Kingston.

“You are part of what is making Georgia grow,” Deal said to the nearly 1,000 business and civic leaders in attendance at the black-tie-optional affair.

The governor and lieutenant governor talked about the successes that are bringing jobs to the local economy and talked about increasing funding for education, from kindergarten to college, to help drive more economic development.

The message meant a lot on a night meant to celebrate public service, said Chamber President Dan Kaufman.

“It’s nice to know they know and appreciate the leaders we have in Gwinnett,” Kaufman said of the state leaders who joined the dinner at the Gwinnett Center’s ballroom.

“The Chamber’s Annual Dinner serves as a celebration of the people of Gwinnett who – by their service, volunteerism, and vision – contribute to our community’s ability to reach new heights and set goals to strive for in the future,” he added about the event. “Through the efforts of these esteemed leaders being honored, the Gwinnett Chamber and the thriving community it serves will continue to thrive and prosper.”

In addition to Webb’s award, public service awards were bestowed upon Marsha Anderson Bomar, ofStantec; Dr. Frances E. Davis of Gwinnett County Public Schools; Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson; former Atlanta Falcon Chuck Smith, of Football 360; and Sidney H. Theus, of American Painting and Renovations, Inc.

The R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award, which honors the memory and legacy of an individual who played a role in the history and progress of Gwinnett County, was awarded posthumously to C. Earle Snell of E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful received the D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award, and Bob Lamp’l, owner of Business Plans & More, Inc., received the 2024 Ambassador of the Year Award.

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating took home the James J. Maran International Award, which recognizes an international company that has chosen to locate in Gwinnett.

“The significance of the Annual Dinner is grounded in the event’s recognition of Gwinnett’s most visionary leaders,” said Carla Carraway, the president of Precision Planning who is serving as the Gwinnett Chamber’s 2024 chairwoman. “The Annual Dinner showcases the collaborative work of our leaders throughout the region which, in turn, comes back to benefit Gwinnett County.”

Gladiators beat Bears for second straight time

2014-02-02T14:17:00Z

By: Christine Troyke

Published: February 1, 2024

DULUTH — The Gwinnett Gladiators kept the biggest crowd of the season entertained from start to finish, edging in front of Orlando three times on Saturday.

The third one stood up. And so did more than 8,600 for rookie Marshall Everson’s game-winning goal.

On the power play, Everson swept from down low to the middle of the faceoff circle, turned, and drilled a shot past Solar Bears goalie Christopher Gibson just 1:17 into the third period.

The Gladiators, who also led 1-0 and 2-1, held firm for the rest of regulation and beat Orlando 3-2. It was the second straight win for Gwinnett at home over the Solar Bears, who were wildly outshot (43-20) by the Gladiators.

“It shows the character of every guy there in the room,” Everson said. “It’s obvious that we’ve gone through tough stretches, but at this point in the season, to still be able to come back when parts of the game aren’t going our way is impressive. It’s what makes it fun to play with these guys.”

Dirk Southern, often more of a playmaker than a sniper, recognized a golden opportunity when his teammates set him up for the first lead.

Pushing hard for the opening goal with repeated surges against the Solar Bears, a good outlet pass by defenseman Justin Weller paid off. Weller got it to Maxime Legault in the neutral zone and Legault snapped it crisply to Southern charging down the middle of the ice. Southern raced in ahead of everyone and ripped the puck into the back of the net to trigger an avalanche of stuffed toys.

All of the animals donated for the annual Teddy Bear Toss — which in 10 years has collected more than 50,000 toys — go to area children in need.

“I’d be lying if said it wasn’t in the back of everyone’s mind (that the fans were waiting on the first goal),” Everson said with a smile. “But we were playing a team that had three games in three nights on the road. For us to come out hard and strong right away was to our benefit.

“And I thought we played a really strong first period. It showed from the drop of the puck and that just happens to turn into a goal. But our mindset going in was jump on them and try to make it as hard as possible a night from the get-go.”

After the cleanup, Orlando came back with a breakaway of it’s own. But recently assigned goaltender Scott Stajcer stonewalled Jacob Cepis with a stretched-out leg pad and the Gladiators kept their 1-0 lead through intermission.

Orlando’s C.J. Severyn erased that on the power play 3:46 into the second and then negated a 2-1 Gwinnett lead late in the period.

After Severyn backhanded a rebound under Stajcer during a scrum on top of the crease, the Gladiators executed another sharp passing play to regain the lead. Bobby Hughes batted down a puck in the neutral zone and corralled it for a breakaway down the boards. Hughes feathered a sweet sauce pass to the slot as Legault charged to the net. Legault went to the backhand and tipped the feed home at 10:09.

It snapped a seven-game goalless drought for Legault and he celebrated accordingly.

“It was huge,” Everson said. “He’s a guy who’s been playing well, even when he’s not letting on the score sheet. But it was great to see him get that one tonight and hopefully it will open the floodgates for him. I’ve got a feeling it will. Sometimes you just need something like that to get the monkey off your back.”

Severyn evened the score again at 17:24, just as a penalty to the Solar Bears expired. Severyn was unguarded in the slot and got a pass from behind the net to tie it 2-2. But Gwinnett pushed ahead one last time on Everson’s 10th goal of the season.

“It’s a play we work on in practice and Bobby takes some space away to give me the open outside,” Everson said. “I have a lot of different options from there. The way they were sitting back and the way Max was screening the goalie, I figured the shot was the best play. I don’t think the goalie ever saw it come off my stick. Max took his eyes away and I hit the net on the far side.”

The Gladiators get a small window to enjoy the win with their next game not until Thursday — in Orlando.

“It’s great,” Everson said. “This league, there’s a lot of games in a short period of time. So it’s nice to have a night to celebrate with the guys and look back at what we did this week. Then we get right back into it.”

For pros, bull riding dangerous but worth it

2014-01-20T14:25:00Z