Midnight In My Mind
MIDNIGHT IN MY MIND (MIMM)
Midnight in My Mind (MiMM) is a four-piece rock band from Spring Lake, North Carolina, bringing together high-energy performances, diverse musical influences, and a shared passion for live music. Formed in 2024, MiMM delivers a powerful mix of hard rock, alternative, emo, metalcore, and rock favorites, creating a sound and live experience that reaches across multiple generations of rock fans.
The band has a story that goes beyond the music. MiMM brings together three U.S. Army Veterans and the son of an Army Veteran, representing two generations connected through both military service and musicianship. That bond carries onto the stage, where years of individual live-performance experience come together in a tight, energetic four-piece lineup.
MiMM features RueChang on vocals and lead guitar, BigSteve on drums, Sesar on bass and backup vocals, and Steven on rhythm guitar and vocals. With multiple vocalists, powerful guitar work, a driving rhythm section, and an engaging stage presence, each member contributes something different to the band's overall sound.
Rather than being confined to one corner of rock, Midnight in My Mind embraces the range of the genre. Their performances can move from the intensity of hard rock and metalcore to the emotion of alternative and emo, while still making room for familiar rock favorites that audiences know and love.
For MiMM, it's all about bringing that energy to the stage and creating a live experience audiences can connect with. Whether you're drawn to heavy riffs, alternative sounds, emotional vocals, or straight-up rock & roll, Midnight in My Mind brings a little something for every kind of rock fan.
Michael Daughtry
Billboard Charting Adult Contemporary Recording Artist. Singer/Songwriter. Music Coach. Mentor. (Mostly) Punctual Carpool Dad...
After teaching music full time for over a decade, Michael Daughtry left his comfort zone to pursue his passion for musical connection as a recording artist. Michael was born in a tiny North Carolina town to an elementary school teacher and an agricultural entrepreneur. Discovering his grandmother’s piano at age 3, his musical devotion grew throughout his childhood, even though he admits he has yet to get that drum set he once requested on his Christmas list. Happily married and sharing his love of music with his school-age daughter, he remains dedicated to his local community.
A magna cum laude graduate of Berklee College of Music in Songwriting, he has opened for a diverse slate of artists including Edwin McCain, Lit, Dale Baker (Sixpence None the Richer), Mark Bryan (Hootie and the Blowfish), Bleu, Sponge, Mary Gauthier, John Ford Coley, David Nail, Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, and Tyler Barham. He opened for Blue Man Group for nearly two years when they played at the Charles Playhouse in Boston.
Michael’s music opens the door for emotion, with multilayered lyrics, strong vocals, and relatable themes. He performs to inspire listeners to think, to feel... and ideally to move and be moved along the way. When asked about his signature sound, Michael comments, “It’s very musically rich and diverse, with my trademark sophisticated piano work and my genuine love of what I do mixed in.” He notes that a thread of hope often weaves throughout the texture of the music.
Michael continues his musical mission at home as well as on the road. He teaches piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting to all ages, laying the foundation for a legacy for generations to come. He is a staple at festivals and running events across the eastern seaboard. Notably, he is honored to have partnered with (and performed for) the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series since 2013, an organization that shares his passion for philanthropy. A portion of Michael’s last album sales was donated to his area’s Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville, NC.
Thus Spoke
Thus Spoke brings a bold, hard-hitting rock sound straight out of Fayetteville, North Carolina. With a style built on heavy energy, strong musicianship, and a powerful live presence, the band delivers the kind of performance that grabs the crowd and keeps the momentum moving.
Their music reflects a modern rock edge while staying rooted in the raw intensity that makes live rock music hit differently. With their RECLAMATION EP available on all major streaming platforms, Thus Spoke continues to build their sound and connect with listeners who appreciate music with grit, emotion, and impact. FindGlocal
They’re bringing that energy to Carolina Music Fest’s Rock Day at J.P. Riddle Stadium in Fayetteville. 🎸🔥
Long Leaf Pine Band
Longleaf Pine Band consists of four Army veterans with a combined 68 years of service, bringing a unique blend of experience, camaraderie, and musicianship to every performance. The lineup includes two retired veterans, two combat veterans, and one member who is still actively serving. The band members first came together through the Guitars for Vets nonprofit, where their shared passion for music grew into a dynamic performing group. Based in the area outside Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, they perform a crowd-pleasing mix of well-known cover songs alongside original music that reflects their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Whether performing at local bars, restaurants, community events, festivals, or private gatherings, the Longleaf Pine Band is committed to connecting with audiences through great music, authentic performances, and the spirit of service that continues to unite them.
Jammin J0n Kiebon
Jammin Jon’s Fayetteville Artists Rocking for Autism Awareness Annual Concert will take place Sunday, June 23 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Louie’s Sports Pub located at 2417 Robeson Street.
“This is the 3rd annual concert and I will be coming up on my 3-year anniversary of moving to Fayetteville in June 2021,” said Jon Kiebon, organizer of Fayetteville Artists Rocking for Autism Awareness Concert. “Last year we had 3 events and the ArtsCouncil of Fayetteville awarded me an artist mini grant which you can apply for your artistic ambitions and events.”
The New York native started the idea while he was living in the neighborhood of Rockaway Beach in Queens.
“I started doing an annual Rocking for Autism concert in 2012 because it is a great place for artists, bands and music,” said Kiebon. “So, when we moved to Fayetteville, I decided to continue doing those concerts down here.”
Autism is a cause that hits home and is significant to Kiebon’s heart. His 26-year-old daughter, Gail, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before she turned two years old.
“She is high functioning and an amazing young woman,” said Kiebon. “One of the first calls that I made about obtaining services for my daughter when we moved to Fayetteville was with Amy Perry, from Autism Society of North Carolina, who is the go-to person for autism.”
Kiebon added, “I ended up calling the Cumberland County Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. They ended up getting Gail a job coach and a job at Fort Liberty as a part-time food service worker. They give them every opportunity to work and succeed. There is no way she would have gotten this type of job if we were in New York.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), better known as autism, is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how individuals interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. It is a spectrum disorder because the type and severity of symptoms can vary widely from low functioning to high functioning. Symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Some common symptoms entail difficulty communicating, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking and spinning.
Autism has no single known cause. Both genetics and environment may play a role. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. It can affect children of all races and ethnicities. Certain factors can increase a child’s risk such as your child’s sex, family history, certain medical conditions, preterm babies and being born to older parents. There is no way to prevent autism, but early diagnosis and treatment is key. Some of the common treatments are applied behavioral analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. The goal is to help autistic children manage everyday living.
Music has been Kiebon’s love and passion all his life.
“I have been a part of various rock bands and I am kind of a unique performer,” said Kiebon. “I write songs, play the guitar and my stage name is Jammin Jon.”
He added, “I am a seasoned veteran, I play loud rock n’ roll and I have high energy just like when I was 18 years old.”
Last year’s concert gave local musicians, singers and songwriters an opportunity to showcase their talents at three different locations.
“It gave the lesser-known musicians the chance to be showcased and for their music to be heard,” said Kiebon. “Some of the bands who will perform for this year’s event include The Heaterz, Jokers Wild, Gamma Major, House and Jammin Jon & The Jammers. My goal is to bring autism awareness and bring people together to enjoy great music,” said Kiebon. “I want to celebrate people on the spectrum and have a great time.”
A $10 donation is suggested. Five ASD artists will be selected to receive money to help pursue their artistic talent and desires. Volunteers and vendors are urgently needed for the event. For more information, to volunteer or to submit your name to be one of the prize winners, contact Jon at jonkiebon@outlook.com
Zelda and Zoletta Taylor
ZELDA & ZOLETTA
For sisters Zelda and Zoletta Taylor, music isn't simply something new — it's a story more than four decades in the making.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina natives first made their mark on the hip-hop scene in the 1980s performing as Twice As Nice, later known as Positive II. Their song “Ugly Boys” received radio airplay and helped propel the sisters onto concert bills alongside some of hip-hop's most recognizable names, including Run-D.M.C., Doug E. Fresh, The Fresh Prince (Will Smith), UTFO, and Eazy-E.
Just as their career was gaining momentum, family became the priority. Zelda and Zoletta stepped away from the music industry when their mother became seriously ill, eventually building careers and raising families of their own. But their love for music never disappeared.
Nearly four decades later, Zelda & Zoletta are back.
Returning under their own names, the sisters are introducing a new chapter of their story while staying connected to the personality, confidence, and fun that defined their beginnings. Their 2026 releases include “Whoa Up,” “Bring It Back Out,” “Black Diamond Man,” “Popping The Sheets,” and “Foxfire,” with collaborations featuring producer and artist LayLow and singer Zakira.
Their return isn't simply about revisiting the past. It's about celebrating longevity, family, North Carolina roots, and the fact that there is no expiration date on doing what you love.
From Twice As Nice to Zelda & Zoletta, their journey represents more than 40 years of music, memories, and Carolina history — and they're bringing it all back to the stage.
Alisha Reid
Alisha Reid is a North Carolina-based R&B and Neo-Soul artist whose sound combines soulful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a musical foundation rooted in Gospel.
Music has been part of Alisha's life since childhood. She began developing her craft at an early age and has performed across a wide range of musical styles, including R&B, Soul, Gospel, Classical, and Theatre. Her journey has included performing with the North Carolina A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir and the Wake Chapel Church Young Adult Choir, experiences that helped shape both her vocal ability and her approach to connecting with an audience.
In 2023, Alisha stepped into a new chapter as a recording artist with the release of her debut single, “Get Out.” She followed it with “Limitless” and “Conversations” in 2024 before releasing her eight-song R&B/Soul project, Love me, Love me Not, in 2025. The project showcases different sides of Alisha's artistry through songs including “Angel,” “Feelin' You,” “Tell Me,” “Breaking,” and the title track.
Her music continued to evolve with the 2025 release of Just Like Me, further exploring the Neo-Soul side of her sound.
Whether she's delivering a smooth R&B record, leaning into the warmth of Neo-Soul, or drawing from the Gospel foundation that helped shape her voice, Alisha approaches music with authenticity and purpose. For her, music is more than entertainment — it's a way to connect, inspire, and bring people together.
With a growing catalog, a distinctive soulful voice, and a passion for performing, Alisha Reid represents a new generation of North Carolina R&B talent bringing its own story and sound to the stage.
B Muzick
BMuzick Band brings the energy of a full-scale live music experience wherever they take the stage. Known for their dynamic performances, versatility, and ability to connect with a crowd, the band has built its reputation entertaining audiences throughout the Southeast.
With a performance style that is energetic, diverse, and engaging, BMuzick Band is all about creating an atmosphere. Their versatility allows them to move across musical styles while keeping the focus on strong musicianship, powerful vocals, and the kind of live-band energy that keeps an audience involved from beginning to end.
BMuzick Band has performed for a wide variety of audiences and events throughout the region, bringing together experienced musicians and vocalists to deliver polished performances without losing the excitement and spontaneity of live music.
Whether they're setting the groove, slowing things down, or turning the energy all the way up, BMuzick Band understands how to read a crowd and make the performance feel like an experience rather than simply a set of songs.
Serving audiences across the Southeast, BMuzick Band brings musicianship, showmanship, and plenty of energy to the stage — ready to give Carolina Music Fest an R&B Sunday performance to remember.
Ki The Artist
KI THE ARTIST
Ki the Artist is an emerging North Carolina performer bringing her own voice, style, and energy to the region's growing independent music scene.
Building her presence through live performances and social media, Ki represents a new generation of independent artists creating opportunities to connect directly with audiences. Her recent appearances have placed her alongside other emerging performers throughout North Carolina, including appearances on entertainment lineups in both Fayetteville and Charlotte.
For Ki, being an artist is about more than simply stepping behind a microphone. Her individuality, confidence, and creative expression are all part of the experience she brings to the stage. Each performance is another opportunity to introduce new listeners to who she is while continuing to develop her sound and establish her place within the Carolina music community.
As her journey continues, Ki the Artist is building her name one stage and one audience at a time — bringing fresh energy and another voice from North Carolina's independent music scene to the spotlight.
Delano Steele Jr
Based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Delano Steele, Jr. is an independent artist bringing his own style, personality, and energy to today’s music scene. His catalog includes releases such as “Hood Goddess” and his 2026 release “Vibe 2.0,” showcasing his continued growth as an artist and performer. Apple Music - Web Player
With a sound that blends modern influences with a confident, distinctive presence, Delano continues building his audience through new music and live performances. His appearance at Carolina Music Fest gives festivalgoers a chance to experience one of Fayetteville’s own emerging artists live on stage.
Press Rewind
Press Rewind brings the energy, nostalgia, and feel-good vibe of classic hip-hop to the stage. Built around the music that helped define an era, their performances are designed to take audiences back while still keeping the atmosphere fresh, lively, and interactive.
With recognizable grooves, crowd-favorite tracks, and a strong live presence, Press Rewind delivers the kind of set that gets people singing along, moving, and remembering exactly why classic hip-hop still hits today. Their appearance at Carolina Music Fest adds a high-energy throwback element to the R&B lineup and gives the crowd a chance to experience those timeless sounds live.