America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization brings a free concert to North Carolina Wesleyan University.
For the first time in five years, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will return to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, as part of its 2026 National Concert Tour. The nationally renowned ensemble will perform a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Reserve Free Tickets
- Limit: Four (4) tickets per request
- General admission seating
- Ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m.
- Unclaimed seats will be released to the standby line after 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are free but required and are available now.
A Historic American Musical Tradition
Founded in 1798, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is the nation’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The band’s primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Since legendary band director John Philip Sousa launched the concert tour tradition in 1891, Marine Band performances have brought a unique White House musical experience to communities across America.
During its 2026 National Concert Tour, the Marine Band will perform 27 concerts across seven states, including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
What to Expect
Under the direction of Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, audiences will enjoy a diverse and inspiring program featuring:
- Traditional concert band repertoire
- Classic John Philip Sousa marches
- Contemporary musical compositions
- Vocal and instrumental solo performances
- A patriotic salute to the U.S. Armed Forces
“We are incredibly excited to continue the tradition of our national concert tour,” said Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin. “Musicians of the band are more eager than ever to share their musical talents with audiences live and in person on this year’s tour.”
Nowlin noted that the concert program is designed to reflect the richness and diversity of America’s musical heritage while offering something for every audience member.
Concert Information
Event
The President’s Own United States Marine Band
Date & Time
Monday, October 5, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Location
The Dunn Center
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Rocky Mount, NC
Admission
Free
Tickets
Required, Limited to four (4) per request
Seating
Ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m. Open seating begins afterward.
Learn More and Reserve Tickets
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of America’s premier musical ensembles live in Rocky Mount.
For full details, please visit www.marineband.marines.mil/Tour.
The Dunn Center and Twin County Media Announce Community Partnership
The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to announce a new partnership with Twin County Media, bringing together two organizations committed to celebrating and strengthening the Twin Counties through arts, entertainment, and community engagement.
Now celebrating its 30th year, The Dunn Center has become one of eastern North Carolina’s premier destinations for live entertainment, cultural programming, educational events, and community gatherings. Located on the NC Wesleyan campus, the venue welcomes thousands of visitors each year for nationally touring performances, local productions, art exhibitions, conferences, and special events.
About the Partnership
Twin County Media has quickly become a trusted source for positive local news, events, and storytelling throughout Nash and Edgecombe counties. Through its website, podcasts, newsletters, and community calendar, Twin County Media shines a spotlight on the people, organizations, and events that make the Twin Counties a great place to live, work, and visit.
“We’re excited to partner with Twin County Media because both of our organizations are dedicated to enriching the Twin Counties,” said Mark Hinson, Vice President of Advancement at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “As The Dunn Center celebrates its 30th anniversary, this collaboration will help us reach even more people with the exceptional performances, cultural experiences, and community events that make our region so special.”
As part of the partnership, Twin County Media will help showcase The Dunn Center’s performances, exhibitions, and special events, making it even easier for residents across the region to discover world-class entertainment close to home.
The Dunn Center’s 30th anniversary season is already underway with tickets on sale now for several exciting performances, including:
- Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Experience on September 18
- The President’s Own United States Marine Band in concert on October 5 (free admission)
- The Ultimate ELVIS Tribute! on October 15
- Additional concerts, performances, and art exhibitions throughout the 2026-2027 season.
Community members are encouraged to explore the full lineup and purchase tickets for upcoming shows by visiting the Dunn Center website. Together, The Dunn Center and Twin County Media look forward to connecting even more people with the arts, entertainment, and stories that continue to make the Twin Counties thrive.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
As The Dunn Center celebrates 30 years of serving eastern North Carolina, local businesses and organizations are invited to become part of the excitement through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship packages provide valuable visibility before thousands of patrons who attend performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. Sponsors receive recognition through event marketing, digital promotions, on-site signage, and other community engagement initiatives designed to connect their brand with one of the region’s premier cultural destinations.
Whether supporting a specific performance, an entire series, or the Dunn Center’s annual programming, sponsorship investments help make high-quality arts and entertainment experiences accessible to communities across the Twin Counties. Organizations interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Office of Advancement or visit The Dunn Center website for additional information.
Rental Space Available
In addition to sponsorship opportunities, The Dunn Center offers versatile rental spaces for corporate meetings, conferences, private events, receptions, and community gatherings, providing organizations with a premier venue in the heart of eastern North Carolina.
Dunn Center to Host Dual Art Exhibition
Community Art Reception Celebrating Creativity and Connection between Tar River Art Gallery and Nash Correctional Institution Art Club
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., June 22, 2026 — In the spirit of a classic Hollywood double feature, the Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University will host an extraordinary art-filled afternoon on Sunday, June 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event celebrating the simultaneous unveiling of two distinct exhibitions: “Beyond the Wall” in the Mims Gallery and a large-scale multi-artist showcase in the Janice Gravely Gallery.
Sponsored by R F Timberlake & Company, Inc., the summer reception supports both 40 artists from the Tar River Art Gallery( TRAG) and more than 100 artists from the Nash Correctional Institution Art Club. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, view a diverse collection of original artwork, and experience live musical accompaniment from acclaimed regional cellist Jeff Hatley.
Beyond the Wall Art Exhibit
At the heart of the event is “Beyond the Wall,” a compelling exhibition presented by the Nash Correctional Institution Art Club. On display from June 5 through July 30, the exhibit features 43 original works installed directly on the gallery walls. Visitors will have the opportunity not only to view the art, but also to participate in an ongoing silent auction. In a powerful gesture of community support, all proceeds from the auction will benefit the Your Choice Resource Center in Rocky Mount.
The Dunn Center’s role as host underscores its growing reputation as a regional cultural destination. With a proven track record of attracting significant public interest — including a recent Bob Ross exhibition that drew more than 13,000 visitors from around the world — the Center offers a uniquely powerful platform for showcasing both emerging and established artists. This dual exhibition continues that tradition by pairing the deeply personal and rehabilitative work of incarcerated artists with the accomplishments of recognized local creators.
Free Event and Reception Planned
Equally important is the event’s accessibility. Free admission and a welcoming location remove common barriers to participation, inviting families, students, and art enthusiasts alike to engage in a shared cultural experience. By opening its doors to a broad audience, the Dunn Center fosters dialogue, appreciation, and understanding through the universal language of art.
The June 28 reception is designed not just as an exhibition opening, but as an act of community-building. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow art lovers, interact directly with the works on display, and consider the broader stories behind them. From bidding on pieces in the silent auction to listening to live music, the event encourages visitors to connect more deeply with both the artwork and the community it represents.
Ultimately, the afternoon offers more than an aesthetic experience — it is an invitation to look beyond the surface of each painting and discover the layered narratives of hope, talent, and transformation that define the region.
CONTACT:
Jan Sullivan Volz, Art Curator, Tar River Art Gallery
(252) 532-2130
Frank Timberlake
(919) 269-4300 OF or (919) 805-0055 CELL
Dunn Center and Tar River Art Gallery. (Jun 17, 2026, 08:37 ET). Dunn Center to Host Unique Double Art Feature Exhibits Opening With a Free Public Reception on June 28. PR Newswire. READ ARTICLE >
Susan Powell The Powell Perspective. (Jun 17, 2026). Art’s Dual Mandate: Correction and Creativity at the Dunn Center. BriefGlance.com. READ ARTICLE >
A Perfect Pairing of Sponsors for Exhibit at Dunn Center Coming Soon
The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts and Our State Magazine as sponsors for its upcoming exhibit, The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, running November 14, 2025, through January 29, 2026.
This exciting collaboration arrives at the perfect moment as the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Peanuts. It is a partnership that is as fitting as it is heartwarming – Peanuts meets peanuts.
Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts, a beloved local brand based in Enfield, N.C., shares more than just a name with Schulz’s iconic comic strip. Both represent the simple joys of everyday life, family, and nostalgia, the kind of timeless warmth that connects generations.
“Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts has long been a symbol of local pride and tradition,” said Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “Their partnership, alongside Our State Magazine, another North Carolina staple, perfectly captures the spirit of celebrating art, nostalgia, and homegrown excellence.”
As a leading voice for North Carolina culture, Our State Magazine continues its mission of highlighting the people, places, and traditions that make the state unique. Its sponsorship of this exhibit reinforces a shared commitment to celebrating the creativity and community spirit that both Schulz’s work and The Dunn Center represent.
Visitors to The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz will experience an intimate look into the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential artists. The exhibit features original comic panels, rare drawings, and personal reflections that trace Schulz’s 50-year journey with Peanuts—a comic strip that continues to warm hearts and inspire generations.
Tickets are only $5.00 and are on sale now for The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1053186/the-life-art-of-charles-mschulz-rocky-mount-the-dunn-center or by visiting the Dunn Center Box Office.
The exhibit will run November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026.
Whether you come for the art, the nostalgia, or the peanuts, this exhibit is sure to bring smiles to every generation celebrating 75 years of Peanuts and 30 years of The Dunn Center’s commitment to the arts.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Eagle Style at The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to serve as the stage for Rocky Mount Academy’s Exceptional Eagles as they present their upcoming holiday production, A Charlie Brown Christmas, on Thursday, December 18 at 6:00p.m. Tickets are available now at the Dunn Center Box Office.
As a local and cultural venue, The Dunn Center is dedicated to supporting local education and providing a professional performance space where students can share their talents with the broader community. Hosting Rocky Mount Academy’s Exceptional Eagles’ production reflects that mission, showcasing the creativity, inclusion, and spirit of students right here in our community.
The Exceptional Eagles program at Rocky Mount Academy serves students aged 5-21 with a wide range of special needs. With inclusion at the heart of every school day, student interns work alongside the Exceptional Eagles to foster friendships, build skills, and create a learning environment that embodies “inclusion at its finest”. Currently, 25 students are enrolled in the program.
Since 2021, the Exceptional Eagles have brought audiences four inspiring performances, each highlighting the joy and resilience of their students. A Charlie Brown Christmas marks their fifth production, promising an evening filled with laughter, music, and holiday cheer.
“This performance is more than a play,” said April Whitehead, RMA Program Director. “It’s a celebration of talent, determination, and the beauty of a truly inclusive community.”
In addition to the show, Rocky Mount Academy students will support Rise Against Hunger, and international nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger worldwide. On December 18, students will pack 20,000 meals to help those in need. Donations made at the doors during the performance will directly support this effort.
Event Details
- What: A Charlie Brown Christmas presented by Rocky Mount Academy’s Exceptional Eagles
- When: Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
- Where: The Dunn Center, North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, N.C.
- Tickets: Available now at the Dunn Center Box Office
The Dunn Center is honored to provide a platform where young performers can shine and where the community can come together in support of local education and meaningful causes. This holiday season, join us for a night of inclusion, community pride, and the simple joys that make the season bright.
Dunn Center Hosts Tar River Art Gallery
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to unveil an exciting new partnership between Tar River Art, The Dunn Center, and North Carolina Wesleyan University. This partnership will kick off with the opening of a vibrant art exhibit at The Gravely Art Gallery, located inside The Dunn Center.
On Sunday, September 14 from 2-5pm, art lovers are invited to an opening reception showcasing the works of 40 talented artists from across North Carolina and the surrounding region. The collection features an impressive variety of paintings and three-dimensional pieces, all available for purchase. Guests can expect exceptional quality at a range of accessible prices, making it the perfect opportunity to add to their personal or corporate art collections.
Following the reception, The Gravely Art Gallery will be open to the public Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. Visitors are also welcome during Dunn Center events, or by appointment. To schedule a private viewing, contact Marilynn Barner Anselmi at 252.308.8425 or email Marilynn.anselmi@gmail.com.
About Gravely Art Gallery
The Gravely Art Gallery was made possible by a generous gift honoring the late Janice Gravely, a gifted local artist whose legacy continues to inspire creativity. The space serves as an important platform for emerging artists and a valuable cultural asset for the regional art community.
For more information about The Tar River Art Exhibit, to schedule a visit, or to inquire about renting one of the galleries or other spaces at The Dunn Center, contact Sheila Martin, Executive Director, at 252.904.7139. The Dunn Center offers an ideal setting for corporate meetings, receptions, concerts, retreats, and a wide range of special events.
The Dunn Center Announces the Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
The Dunn Center, located on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Campus, welcomes The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026. This is a wonderful family art show to attend and will feature all your favorite Peanuts characters. Tickets are only $5 each and kids five and under get in FREE! So, secure your tickets, or purchase a few as holiday stocking stuffers!
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Charles Monroe Schulz brightened the world for 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit. Through Peanuts, Schulz connected the world with his drawings and stories. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, a traveling exhibition, explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Schulz once proclaimed, “It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was.”
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century.
“Comic strips are an art form: a means of expressing an idea of a great truth in an abbreviated space,” Schulz noted in 1985. He was “master of the slight incident” and broke new ground for newspaper cartoons by using innovations such as Lucy’s psychiatric booth, Linus’ security blanket (a term Schulz coined), Snoopy’s doghouse, and Schroeder’s music. He profoundly influenced several generations of cartoonists with his spare graphic style and subtle sense of humor. “With intelligence, honesty, and wonderfully expressive artwork, Charles Schulz gave the comics a unique world of humor, fantasy, warmth, and pain that completely reconfigured the comic strip landscape,” wrote Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, in 1989.
circa 1985
Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts. For 50 years he researched, wrote, designed, and drew each Peanuts strip that appeared in daily and Sunday newspapers, producing nearly 18,000 strips. From the comic strip’s humble beginnings in 1950, appearing in only seven newspapers, Peanuts’ popularity and influence grew rapidly. By 2000 it was the most successful comic strip in newspaper history, appearing in over 40 languages, in 75 countries, in more than 2,600 newspapers, with over 355 million readers. The strip and its characters were also the inspiration for nearly 50 television specials, two plays, four movies, a symphonic concerto, many books, and thousands of licensed products. Peanuts products became a billion-dollar worldwide industry, and Schulz became the highest paid, most widely read cartoonist in history.
Schulz officially retired in December 1999 and always intended that the strip would retire with him. On February 12, 2000, at age 77, just hours before the final Peanuts strip appeared in Sunday newspapers, Charles Schulz died at his home in Santa Rosa, California. The next morning, tributes ran in newspapers around the world, including one from then-U.S. President Bill Clinton in USA Today: “The hopeful and hapless Charlie Brown, the joyful Snoopy, the soulful Linus, even the crabby Lucy, give voice, day after day, to what makes us human.” In the February 28, 2000, edition of People magazine, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, author of the 1989 biography Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz, observed, “He showed there was a market for innocence. People may be seduced by glitter, sophomoric stunts and shock radio, but deep down we all yearn for something simple and profound that will endure. He gave that to us.”
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened in 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and building an understanding of cartoon art. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, California—where Schulz lived and worked for over 40 years—the Schulz Museum features the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world and presents changing exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum also provides reference services and supports a robust traveling exhibition program. For more information, visit schulzmuseum.org.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452
NCWU Donates Joy to RMA Students
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement with a creative and heartfelt gesture. This morning, Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President and Sheila Martin, the Executive Director of the Dunn Center, donated a collection of Bob Ross plushies to students at Rocky Mount Academy.
The donation, inspired by the beloved artist’s legacy of creativity and positivity, brought smiles to the faces of the students, fostering a spirit of joy and connection. The Bob Ross plushies serve as a fun and meaningful reminder of the importance of embracing creativity and sharing kindness within the community.
“At NCWU, we value opportunities to give back and inspire others, especially the younger generation,” said NCWU President. “This small act is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a supportive and vibrant community in Rocky Mount.”
The university’s ongoing outreach efforts aim to strengthen ties with local organizations and bring about positive change. The partnership with Rocky Mount Academy is just one of many ways NCWU strives to make a difference in the lives of others.
For more information about NCWU’s community initiatives, visit ncwu.edu.
Bob Ross Exhibit Finale
Art enthusiasts and Bob Ross fans, mark your calendars! The Bob Ross Exhibit, hosted at The Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University, will conclude its run with a grand finale weekend on Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2025. This immersive experience, featuring the works of the beloved painter and television icon, promises to be a memorable event for families and art lovers alike.
In addition to the exhibit showcasing 76 of Bob Ross’ original paintings, attendees will enjoy a special musical performance.
Weekend Highlights
Saturday, January 11, 2025
- 10:00 AM: The Bob Ross Art Exhibit opens, featuring a collection of 76 original paintings that capture the charm and serenity of Ross’ iconic style.
- 11:00 AM: The Joy of Painting…A Musical begins, a creative tribute to Ross’ life and art. After the performance, playwright Caleb Cabiness will host a Q&A session.
- 2:00 PM: A second showing of The Joy of Painting…A Musical will be followed by another Q&A session with Caleb Cabiness.
- 5:00 PM: The exhibit will close for the day.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
- 2:00 PM: The exhibit reopens for a final viewing.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for all events, including the musical and Q&A sessions, are available for purchase on The Dunn Center’s website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Bob Ross, whose gentle demeanor and artistic talent continue to inspire millions.
Bring your family, reflect on the joy of painting, and experience a weekend filled with creativity, nostalgia, and inspiration!
Local Talent Meets Local Stage
Rocky Mount is set to enjoy a night of homegrown talent as two local favorites take the stage at The Dunn Center on Friday, October 11. The evening will feature a dynamic blend of music and comedy, with Nashville recording artist Chandler James opening for award-winning comedian John Floyd. Both performers have deep roots in the Rocky Mount community and are eager to entertain their hometown crowd.
About Chandler James
Chandler James, a country musician with a well-rounded sound, is no stranger to the spotlight. A recent graduate of Rocky Mount Academy, James has made waves in the country music scene, drawing inspiration from legends like Chris Stapleton and Brent Cobb. His music is a blend of classic country, southern rock, and blues, a style that showcases both his versatility and deep connection to his roots. As the first-ever “Got to be NC Ag Star,” James proudly represents North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage, touring the state to promote its products while sharing his music.
“I continue to work toward my music goals as an independent artist and have no idea where this journey will take me,” James said. “I am grateful and proud to have you join in and see where the road leads.”
About John Floyd
Following James will be John Floyd, a clean, hilarious comedian who has earned comparisons to Mark Twain and Andy Griffith. Floyd, who grew up attending Rocky Mount schools and now resides in Raleigh, has a comedic career that spans all 50 states and more than two dozen countries. Known for his quick wit and family-friendly humor, Floyd credits the men in his family for his storytelling talent, though he is the first to bring those stories to the stage instead of the front porch.
The show, sponsored by Todd Hinson of Allegra Printing and Marketing Solutions, will begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are selling fast. For those looking to enjoy a night of music, comedy, and community, tickets can be purchased on The Dunn Center’s website or by calling the box office at 252-985-5197.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support local talent and experience an unforgettable evening of entertainment!
