ABOUT THE ALLEN DE HART CONCERT SERIES AND FACILITIES

About the Series

Louisburg College is proud to present a series of concerts throughout the academic year. All concerts are held in Louisburg College's 1,200-seat Auditorium/Theatre Complex.

JPAC

The Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)

In recognition of the major commitments from the Jones Family Foundation and in memory of Mr. Seby B. Jones, Louisburg College is pleased to announce the dedication of The Seby Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC).

SBJ From his humble beginnings on a Franklin County farm to the development of Crabtree Valley Mall, Falls Village, and numerous other Raleigh area landmarks, Seby Jones has left his mark on the central North Carolina landscape and social conscience.

In 1945, Jones and James A. Davidson, a Scottish immigrant and master carpenter, formed the Davidson and Jones Construction Company. In the post-war years, the firm built and renovated stores and supermarkets, and over 100 churches. The experience garnered in these projects culminated with the planning and construction of Crabtree Valley Mall, which opened in 1972.

Jones made a successful run for Raleigh City Council in 1967 and was elected mayor in 1969, serving at a time when the city was just beginning to intensively develop beyond its pre-war boundaries. He helped shepherd the city through the civil rights era and the numerous changes in the city prompted by the influx of newcomers coming to work in Research Triangle Park. Innovations under Jones' helm included the practice of setting five-year goals for city government and the establishment of the Office of Intergovernmental Coordinator whose mission was to ensure all Raleigh citizens access to local, state, and federal agencies and funds to improve their neighborhoods and their lives.

Jones regarded the marked improvement in race relations in Raleigh as one of his most important accomplishments. His efforts led to an increased interest in philanthropy and college scholarships for deserving students. He served on the Board of Trustees at St. Augustine's College where a fine arts center was named for him. Jones also served on the Board of Trustees at Meredith College and endowed the Seby Jones Chapel there. Jones took great pleasure in giving back to the community, supporting numerous organizations including the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, and the Gideon Society. For the past seven years, Jones' son, Robert (Roddy) Jones, has served on the Louisburg College Board of Trustees.

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The Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium

In honor of the charitable lead trust established this past year by Trustee Emeritus Mrs. Frances Boyette Dickson, Louisburg College will dedicate the auditorium in her name this fall. This lead trust, along with a charitable remainder trust she has established, will continue her generous legacy at Louisburg College for many years to come.

Frances Boyette Dickson Dickson's connection to Louisburg College reaches back to the days of the Great Depression. She attended the College from 1933 until 1935, during which time she forged friendships and memories that have lasted her life through. She recalls with fondness the parties and dances held in the social hall of Main; parties down by the Tar River; and the annual May Day celebration which included the crowning of the May Queen. After serving as a maid on the court in 1934, Dickson was named May Queen in 1935.

Dickson, a savvy investor, is very interested in the College's financial stability. She is a member of the Society of 1787, the Old Main Society, the President's Club, and the 220 Giving Club. In 1987, Dickson made another generous commitment to Louisburg College and its students when she endowed the Lillian Cherry Boyette Scholarship in honor of her mother. The scholarship supports students from Hertford County on the basis of financial need and seriousness of purpose. In recognition of Dickson's years of support, she was presented the Cecil W. Robbins Public Service Award in 2002.

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The Emily and Scott Gardner Concert Stage

In 2010, the College renamed the Auditorium stage the Emily and Scott Gardner Concert Stage in recognition of their service and generosity to Louisburg College.

Emily and Scott Gardner Emily and Scott met at the College in 1946 and became sweethearts. Emily came to Louisburg from North Harlowe, in Eastern North Carolina, in fall 1944; Scott arrived at Louisburg from nearby Warrenton three years earlier. He interrupted his education as many young men at the time and joined the service. He subsequently returned to Louisburg and they both graduated in 1946. Scott entered the family business, Warrenton Furniture Exchange, and they married in 1948. Emily became active in Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, raised their three children - David, Janet, and Susan - and helped out in the business. Emily served on numerous civic associations, including School Board, and she and Scott were great supporters of John Graham High School in Warrenton, which their children all attended.

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The Edith C. Lumpkin Community Gallery

Edith C. Lumpkin The Traveling Exhibition Gallery on the North side of the Jones Center was formally named the Edith C. Lumpkin Community Gallery on April 15, 2011. The gallery was dedicated in honor of Mrs. Lumpkin by her children, Parker and Willie Lee, who continue her tradition of supporting Louisburg College, most recently donating funds to replace the roof of the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center.

Mrs. Lumpkin served faithfully on the College's Board of Trustees from 1971 until 1995, and worked to further the performing and visual arts at Louisburg College and in Franklin County.

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Concert Series History

Beginning with the 2002-2003 season, the Louisburg College Concert Series became known as the Allen de Hart Concert Series in honor of its founder and long-time manager. Mr. de Hart initiated the concert series in 1957 shortly after coming to work at Louisburg College, and he served as concert manager for 44 years.

Under de Hart's direction, the series attracted a variety of well-known performers from every continent and all the major countries of Europe. In the mid-seventies, de Hart also created the Franklin County Folk Festival which was held annually on the Louisburg campus. The festival spawned the International Whistlers Convention that attracts participants from around the world. Also during his years at Louisburg College, de Hart formed a foreign film series and a lecture series. Among the lecturers were Margaret Meade, the Dalai Lama and Bob Woodward.

In a special resolution of appreciation presented in 2001, Louisburg College recognized de Hart's many contributions to the arts and renamed the concert series in his honor.

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Concert Series Manager

Since 2001, the Allen de Hart Concert Series has been managed by Robert Poole. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from East Carolina University and a master's degree in liberal studies from North Carolina State University. Before coming to Louisburg College, Poole worked at North Carolina State University, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the North Carolina Museum of History. He also spent four years in the United States Air Force, including two years in Madrid, Spain, at Torrejon Air Base.

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Concert Series Buffet Dinners

Come to Louisburg College for dinner and a show. Concert buffet dinners are held on campus in the Jordan Student Center. Enjoy food and fellowship at 5:45 p.m., and see a great show in the JPAC at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office at 1-866-773-6354 or 919.497.3330, or visit our Online Ticket Store to make your reservations.

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Facility Usage

Louisburg College provides the following spaces available for your use:

  • Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium
  • Norris Theatre
  • The Edith C. Lumpkin Community Gallery (North Side)
  • The Edith Tiel Faulkner Gallery (South Side)
  • Duke Dining Center
  • Multi-Purpose Room in the Jordan Student Center
  • Alumni Dining Room
  • Benson Chapel & Conference Rooms

For more information, please call the Louisburg College Box Office at 1.866.773.6354 or 919.497.3300.

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