Highlands PAC’s 2025 Concert Season

Written By: Jeanne Piazza, Executive Director, Highlands PAC | Issue: March 2025

The Highlands Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce the 2025 Concert Season.

Our first concert will be held on Sunday, May 11, and will feature Steep Canyon Rangers. Hailing from the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the three-time Grammy nominated Rangers have long held the tradition of bluegrass paramount while incorporating influence from all walks of the region. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages.

Sunday, June 1, brings Glory Crampton & 3 Tenors to the Main Stage. Glory Crampton, who originated Christine in the acclaimed musical Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, brings her renowned voice to Three Tenors & a Soprano. Crampton has performed with opera legend José Carreras (of The Three Tenors) at Radio City Music Hall with the esteemed Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Joining her are tenors Marc Devigne, Daniel Montenegro, and Nicholas Rodriguez, creating a captivating blend of pop, opera, and Broadway talent.

Friday, July 18, features Rodney Marsalis’ Philadelphia Big Brass. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. This is a family-owned and operated musical business that had its beginnings on the streets of New Orleans.

Sunday, July 20, brings us The Modern Gentlemen. Brothers Brian and Brandon Brigham, along with Landon Beard and Todd Fournier, rose to prominence as longtime members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.  Hailed as “The Modern Day Keepers of the Classics,” they’ve earned acclaim for reimagining a new season of timeless hits and harmony connecting generations! Together, their harmonies are unparalleled with seamless transitioning between genres and eras that transcend time.

Saturday, September 30, the PAC will present Mercury: Stories & Songs of Queen’s Legendary Singer. With his extraordinary vocal range, countertenor Terry Barber celebrates Queen’s Freddie Mercury, blending hit songs with stories from Mercury’s life. More than a concert, this tribute offers an intimate look at a rock legend who defined a generation. Barber’s concept recording of this material is up for eight Grammy nominations.

Saturday, September 27, brings Jazz to Highlands with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1966 more than a half-century ago. They’ve subsequently played a variety of styles in several different groups, as well as with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck, and their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete this dynamic Quartet.

On Friday, November 14, Yacht Rock Gold Experience will be here to perform. One of the most commercially successful musical genres of all time, Yacht Rock has built a loyal and unwavering fan base who are today’s prime ticket buying audience. Yacht Rock Gold Experience brings all your favorite hits from the late 1970’s-early 1980’s to new generations of music fans. Celebrating the smooth sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Boz Scaggs and so many more, Yacht Rock Gold Experience engages fans with amazing harmonies and musicianship that brings audiences back to a time when music made you feel good and soothed the soul.

Our final concert on Friday, November 28, is Nashville Noel. Since its inception, Nashville Noel has become a beloved tradition for fans of Country music and Christmas enthusiasts alike. The show features a talented cast of musicians, singers, and dancers from the South who come together to deliver a high-energy performance that captures the essence of Nashville’s rich musical heritage and the warmth of the holiday season.

With a mix of classic Country hits and beloved Christmas carols, Nashville Noel takes audiences on a musical journey that celebrates the magic of both genres. From toe-tapping renditions of iconic Country songs to heartwarming performances of beloved holiday classics, the show offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, joy, and festive cheer.