Check out our scheduled shows below. If you would like to purchase Season Tickets, call the box office at 252.985.5197.
Note: Only season series shows/events are included with season ticket.
SEASON SERIES SHOWS ONLY
Our 2024-25 Season Series show lineup at The Dunn Center is all set! So, get set for seven exceptional shows and get your season tickets today. Individual tickets will go on sale on August 1st.
Our season opener will be Reggie Rice, a family-friendly show filled with hilarious comedy and innovative illusions. On Sept 27th, we welcome back the much-loved tribute band, Departure, along with a vibrant mix of new talent debuting on our stage. In October, experience the down-home wit and inspirational wisdom of John Floyd, a comedian, author, and proud native of Rocky Mount, plus Nirvani – A Nirvana Tribute Experience, a very popular tribute band pays homage to a golden era in music and the unique atmosphere of the band Nirvana.
October ends with Larry & Joe, a duo based in the triangle of North Carolina, that will perform a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on multiple instruments.
November continues with bluegrass as Damn Tall Buildings, a roots/americana band from Brooklyn, NY pulls inspiration from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary.
We end the season with The Purple Madness, America’s #1 Prince Tribute band experience.
Coming Friday, Feb. 7... The Purple Madness!
Following the tremendous success of last year’s Bob Ross art exhibit, which attracted over 11,000 visitors nationwide and internationally, we are proud to announce we will be hosting another remarkable exhibition featuring 76 newly revealed Bob Ross paintings. “Bob Ross Bringing Back the Joy” will be open from December 2 through January 13, 2025, with advance tickets available for $15 starting July 4, 2024.
Check out all the wonderful offerings that will be available at The Dunn Center this season, from complimentary events to very affordable season shows. Parking is always convenient and included. For assistance with season tickets, accessing “Bob Ross Bringing Back the Joy,” or rentals, call 252.985.5197.
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists.
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december
mon02dec(dec 2)10:00 ammon13jan(jan 13)5:00 pmBob Ross Art ExhibitBringing Back the Joy
Event Details
Returning in December 2024! Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on
Event Details
Returning in December 2024!
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Open to the public.
Advance Tickets are $15 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to see more of these fantastic little paintings!
Free admission for children under five.
Time
December 2 (Monday) 10:00 am - January 13 (Monday) 5:00 pm
Location
Mims Gallery - The Dunn Center
Organizer
tue17dec7:30 pmSwingin' Around the Christmas Tree
Event Details
Join the Tar River Swing Band as we celebrate Christmas with classic holiday tunes in a swingin’ style as well as some traditional swing tunes
Event Details
Join the Tar River Swing Band as we celebrate Christmas with classic holiday tunes in a swingin’ style as well as some traditional swing tunes you know and love!
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
Adults: $30
Children and College Students: FREE with student ID
Time
(Tuesday) 7:30 pm
Location
The Dunn Center – Minges Auditorium
3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Organizer
january
mon02dec(dec 2)10:00 ammon13jan(jan 13)5:00 pmBob Ross Art ExhibitBringing Back the Joy
Event Details
Returning in December 2024! Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on
Event Details
Returning in December 2024!
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Open to the public.
Advance Tickets are $15 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to see more of these fantastic little paintings!
Free admission for children under five.
Time
December 2 (Monday) 10:00 am - January 13 (Monday) 5:00 pm
Location
Mims Gallery - The Dunn Center
Organizer
sat11jan11:00 amsat2:00 pm"The Joy of Painting: The Musical"
Event Details
The Dunn Center is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of “The Joy of Painting: The Musical” on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in the Powers
Event Details
The Dunn Center is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of “The Joy of Painting: The Musical” on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in the Powers Recital Hall, with showings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
This delightful and touching musical tells the story of Ellie, a 12-year-old girl brimming with artistic talent but feeling overshadowed by her parents’ STEM-centric expectations. She finds solace and inspiration in Bob Ross’ iconic show, “The Joy of Painting,” discovering the value of friendship and creativity. Bob Ross’ timeless wisdom, delivered through song, reminds us all that friendships bring color to our lives.
Written and directed by North Carolina native and Wake Forest University alumnus Caleb Cabiness, the musical captures the essence of Bob Ross’ gentle guidance and optimism. Producer Natalie Cordone, also a Wake Forest alumna, highlights, “Caleb’s admiration for Bob Ross truly shines through in this musical. It even includes original quotes from Mr. Ross! We are proud to present such a heartfelt and humorous work at this wonderful festival.”
The musical has a runtime of just 30 minutes, with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each show will be followed by a 15-minute talk by Mr. Cabiness about the creation of his work, along with a 15-minute audience Q&A with him and the actors. Tickets are priced at $10 and are available at The Dunn Center Box Office or online at www.dunncenter.com.
Join us for a day of artistic inspiration and joy as we celebrate the legacy of Bob Ross through this special musical and art exhibit.
TWO “The Joy of Painting: The Musical” Shows Available – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW for 11 a.m. Show >
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW for 2 p.m. Show >
Bob Ross Art Exhibit also showing at the Dunn Center
In addition, visitors can enjoy the newly revealed Bob Ross art exhibit in the Mims Gallery, featuring 76 of his paintings on display from December 2 through January 13.
Time
(Saturday) 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location
Powers Recital Hall - The Dunn Center
Organizer
february
fri07feb7:30 pmPurple Madness - Prince Tribute Band#1 America’s Prince Tribute Experience
Event Details
The “Purple Madness” is the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying
Event Details
The “Purple Madness” is the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that can be best described as, high energy and a “must see” performance.
The Prince Purple Madness Tribute Show have all but perfected every last nuance in recreating the sights and sounds of the artist Prince.
For anyone who wasn’t fortunate enough to have witnessed Prince live show, the experience was undeniably one of the best live performances on the planet. It was with this idea in mind that Bobby Miller chose to re-create some of Prince most memorable concert moments. The Production team consist of Bobby Miller as the artist, backed by some of the most talented dancers and musicians that have toured the US and abroad. Collectively, the team consists of over a 100 years of music experience.
This event is part of our 2024-25 Season Series Tickets Package.* Purchase tickets in advance online or by calling the box office at 252.985.5197.
SPONSORED BY DON’S BODY SHOP & COLLISION CENTER
Time
(Friday) 7:30 pm
Location
The Dunn Center – Minges Auditorium
3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Organizer
march
sat01mar7:30 pmElton John Experience: Remember When Rock Was Youngwith Tar River Orchestra
Event Details
The Tar River Orchestra is joined by Elton John tribute artist, Craig Meyer, and Rocket Band for this one-of-a-kind musical experience. Craig Meyer is considered
Event Details
The Tar River Orchestra is joined by Elton John tribute artist, Craig Meyer, and Rocket Band for this one-of-a-kind musical experience. Craig Meyer is considered to be the best Elton John tribute artist in the market, whose strong vocals, striking resemblance and amazing talent on the piano has audiences everywhere remembering when rock was young. This spectacular musical journey celebrates the decades of chart-topping hits by Sir Elton John including: “Benny and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind,” and MORE! A celebration of the character, costumes, and charisma of the famed pianist and singer, Meyer’s fully produced show has captivated audiences throughout the United States and abroad.
Premium tickets for this event include a pre-concert reception at 6:30 PM with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beer & wine.
TICKETS
Premium $45 (front section)
VIP Premium $75 (includes pre-concert reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine)
Standard $35 (back section)
VIP Standard $65 (includes pre-concert reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine)
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 pm
Location
The Dunn Center – Minges Auditorium
3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Organizer
april
mon14apr7:00 pmWesleyan Singers PerformanceSpring Concert
Event Details
Please join us for The Wesleyan Singers performance as they present their Spring Concert. New music, new faces and new performances. WHEN: Monday,
Event Details
Please join us for The Wesleyan Singers performance as they present their Spring Concert. New music, new faces and new performances.
WHEN: Monday, April 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
WHERE: GARNER LOBBY AT THE DUNN CENTER
Time
(Monday) 7:00 pm
Location
The Dunn Center - Garner Lobby
Gallery Events
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Dunn Center Showcase/Seasonal Show
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Library
Mims Gallery Reception
NC Wesleyan Event
Practical Skills Academy
Student Activities
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november
novPaint Like Bob Ross ClassesExclusive Paint Class with CBR Instructor Melissa Pearce
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting, with Certified Bob Ross Instructor, Melissa Pearce! You’ll be painting along side Melissa as she instructs you.
Choose from 10 different classes that begin on Sunday, Nov. 17. Each class is on a Sunday afternoon and all supplies are included. Great Holiday gift for kids 12 and up or just a fun day painting with Melissa.
After class, display your work in the Gravely Gallery at the NC Wesleyan Dunn Center. Classes are for 12 years old and up, All supplies included.
Tickets: $60 each
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES BELOW.
SELECT CLASS TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
Sun, Nov 17, 2-5 pm
Class: Cool Waters, S4 E9
Sun, Nov 24, 2-5 pm
Class: Lake in the Valley, S26 E4
Sun, Dec 1, 2-5 pm
Class: Purple Splendor, S4 E1
Sun, Dec 8, 2-5 pm
Class: Aurora’s Dance, S29 E12
Sun, Dec 15, 2-5 pm
Class: Blue Moon Seascape, S3 E2
Sat, Dec 21, 2-5 pm
Class: Desert Glow, S21 E11
Sun, Dec 22, 2-5 pm
Class: By the Sea, S21 E8
Sun, Dec 29, 2-5 pm
Class Winter Frost, S10 E12
Sat, Jan 4, 2-5 pm
Class Morning Mist, S6 E3
Sun, Jan 5, 2-5 pm
Class Dimensions, S22 E7
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I live in a world of controlled chaos, creativity, and endless hope for the future. By day, I am a high school English teacher. I spend hours teaching, planning, grading, thinking about field trips and projects and extracurriculars. I am often in the whirlwind of ensuring students are ready for whatever step they choose to take once they graduate and move forward in life.
Finding myself caught in the busyness that is the lives of other people’s children and our education system, I realized I needed something grounding. In that moment, I began my painting journey, and it is truly a journey.
I began learning the Bob Ross wet-on-wet techniques through classes and painting along with his Joy of Painting. I learned to push trees out of my brushes, give little rocks a friend or two, and shape some happy clouds floating in a phthalo blue sky. Like anyone who watched Bob, I couldn’t help but to be struck by some of the simple and profound nuggets of wisdom he dropped along the way. During his show, Bob would say in his low, steady voice that “It’s hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look,” or, “If you have light on light, you have nothing. If you have dark on dark, you basically have nothing. Just like in life. You gotta have a little sadness once in a while so you know when the good times come.”
Those small pieces remind me that there is often simple truth to be found in the most unlikely places. In addition to these little truths, the process of painting has helped me steady the busyness around me. I find that I am more mindful of a moment: the way colors blend in an early sunrise over the school building before I walk in, the fall leaves popping bright against grey autumn skies, and reflections pulled long across a lake’s edge. Those moments center me, and I find that same quiet, stillness when I break out my brushes and put paint to canvas.
It is my hope that others can find the simple truths and simple quiet joys in their own lives. For some, it won’t be at the end of a fan brush, but for some it might. I hope that I can help a few others find that joy as they move along their own painting journeys.
Time
Month Long Event (november)
Location
The Dunn Center - Garner Lobby
Organizer
december
novPaint Like Bob Ross ClassesExclusive Paint Class with CBR Instructor Melissa Pearce
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting, with Certified Bob Ross Instructor, Melissa Pearce! You’ll be painting along side Melissa as she instructs you.
Choose from 10 different classes that begin on Sunday, Nov. 17. Each class is on a Sunday afternoon and all supplies are included. Great Holiday gift for kids 12 and up or just a fun day painting with Melissa.
After class, display your work in the Gravely Gallery at the NC Wesleyan Dunn Center. Classes are for 12 years old and up, All supplies included.
Tickets: $60 each
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES BELOW.
SELECT CLASS TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
Sun, Nov 17, 2-5 pm
Class: Cool Waters, S4 E9
Sun, Nov 24, 2-5 pm
Class: Lake in the Valley, S26 E4
Sun, Dec 1, 2-5 pm
Class: Purple Splendor, S4 E1
Sun, Dec 8, 2-5 pm
Class: Aurora’s Dance, S29 E12
Sun, Dec 15, 2-5 pm
Class: Blue Moon Seascape, S3 E2
Sat, Dec 21, 2-5 pm
Class: Desert Glow, S21 E11
Sun, Dec 22, 2-5 pm
Class: By the Sea, S21 E8
Sun, Dec 29, 2-5 pm
Class Winter Frost, S10 E12
Sat, Jan 4, 2-5 pm
Class Morning Mist, S6 E3
Sun, Jan 5, 2-5 pm
Class Dimensions, S22 E7
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I live in a world of controlled chaos, creativity, and endless hope for the future. By day, I am a high school English teacher. I spend hours teaching, planning, grading, thinking about field trips and projects and extracurriculars. I am often in the whirlwind of ensuring students are ready for whatever step they choose to take once they graduate and move forward in life.
Finding myself caught in the busyness that is the lives of other people’s children and our education system, I realized I needed something grounding. In that moment, I began my painting journey, and it is truly a journey.
I began learning the Bob Ross wet-on-wet techniques through classes and painting along with his Joy of Painting. I learned to push trees out of my brushes, give little rocks a friend or two, and shape some happy clouds floating in a phthalo blue sky. Like anyone who watched Bob, I couldn’t help but to be struck by some of the simple and profound nuggets of wisdom he dropped along the way. During his show, Bob would say in his low, steady voice that “It’s hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look,” or, “If you have light on light, you have nothing. If you have dark on dark, you basically have nothing. Just like in life. You gotta have a little sadness once in a while so you know when the good times come.”
Those small pieces remind me that there is often simple truth to be found in the most unlikely places. In addition to these little truths, the process of painting has helped me steady the busyness around me. I find that I am more mindful of a moment: the way colors blend in an early sunrise over the school building before I walk in, the fall leaves popping bright against grey autumn skies, and reflections pulled long across a lake’s edge. Those moments center me, and I find that same quiet, stillness when I break out my brushes and put paint to canvas.
It is my hope that others can find the simple truths and simple quiet joys in their own lives. For some, it won’t be at the end of a fan brush, but for some it might. I hope that I can help a few others find that joy as they move along their own painting journeys.
Time
Month Long Event (november)
Location
The Dunn Center - Garner Lobby
Organizer
mon02dec(dec 2)10:00 ammon13jan(jan 13)5:00 pmBob Ross Art ExhibitBringing Back the Joy
Event Details
Returning in December 2024! Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on
Event Details
Returning in December 2024!
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Open to the public.
Advance Tickets are $15 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to see more of these fantastic little paintings!
Free admission for children under five.
Time
December 2 (Monday) 10:00 am - January 13 (Monday) 5:00 pm
Location
Mims Gallery - The Dunn Center
Organizer
january
novPaint Like Bob Ross ClassesExclusive Paint Class with CBR Instructor Melissa Pearce
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his
Event Details
Join us for laughter, fun, and create a Happy Little Painting as you learn to use the wet-on-wet technique taught by Bob Ross on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting, with Certified Bob Ross Instructor, Melissa Pearce! You’ll be painting along side Melissa as she instructs you.
Choose from 10 different classes that begin on Sunday, Nov. 17. Each class is on a Sunday afternoon and all supplies are included. Great Holiday gift for kids 12 and up or just a fun day painting with Melissa.
After class, display your work in the Gravely Gallery at the NC Wesleyan Dunn Center. Classes are for 12 years old and up, All supplies included.
Tickets: $60 each
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES BELOW.
SELECT CLASS TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
Sun, Nov 17, 2-5 pm
Class: Cool Waters, S4 E9
Sun, Nov 24, 2-5 pm
Class: Lake in the Valley, S26 E4
Sun, Dec 1, 2-5 pm
Class: Purple Splendor, S4 E1
Sun, Dec 8, 2-5 pm
Class: Aurora’s Dance, S29 E12
Sun, Dec 15, 2-5 pm
Class: Blue Moon Seascape, S3 E2
Sat, Dec 21, 2-5 pm
Class: Desert Glow, S21 E11
Sun, Dec 22, 2-5 pm
Class: By the Sea, S21 E8
Sun, Dec 29, 2-5 pm
Class Winter Frost, S10 E12
Sat, Jan 4, 2-5 pm
Class Morning Mist, S6 E3
Sun, Jan 5, 2-5 pm
Class Dimensions, S22 E7
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I live in a world of controlled chaos, creativity, and endless hope for the future. By day, I am a high school English teacher. I spend hours teaching, planning, grading, thinking about field trips and projects and extracurriculars. I am often in the whirlwind of ensuring students are ready for whatever step they choose to take once they graduate and move forward in life.
Finding myself caught in the busyness that is the lives of other people’s children and our education system, I realized I needed something grounding. In that moment, I began my painting journey, and it is truly a journey.
I began learning the Bob Ross wet-on-wet techniques through classes and painting along with his Joy of Painting. I learned to push trees out of my brushes, give little rocks a friend or two, and shape some happy clouds floating in a phthalo blue sky. Like anyone who watched Bob, I couldn’t help but to be struck by some of the simple and profound nuggets of wisdom he dropped along the way. During his show, Bob would say in his low, steady voice that “It’s hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look,” or, “If you have light on light, you have nothing. If you have dark on dark, you basically have nothing. Just like in life. You gotta have a little sadness once in a while so you know when the good times come.”
Those small pieces remind me that there is often simple truth to be found in the most unlikely places. In addition to these little truths, the process of painting has helped me steady the busyness around me. I find that I am more mindful of a moment: the way colors blend in an early sunrise over the school building before I walk in, the fall leaves popping bright against grey autumn skies, and reflections pulled long across a lake’s edge. Those moments center me, and I find that same quiet, stillness when I break out my brushes and put paint to canvas.
It is my hope that others can find the simple truths and simple quiet joys in their own lives. For some, it won’t be at the end of a fan brush, but for some it might. I hope that I can help a few others find that joy as they move along their own painting journeys.
Time
Month Long Event (november)
Location
The Dunn Center - Garner Lobby
Organizer
mon02dec(dec 2)10:00 ammon13jan(jan 13)5:00 pmBob Ross Art ExhibitBringing Back the Joy
Event Details
Returning in December 2024! Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on
Event Details
Returning in December 2024!
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Open to the public.
Advance Tickets are $15 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to see more of these fantastic little paintings!
Free admission for children under five.
Time
December 2 (Monday) 10:00 am - January 13 (Monday) 5:00 pm
Location
Mims Gallery - The Dunn Center
Organizer
february
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