GOLDSBORO, NC – A new cultural initiative is set to transform the dining and entertainment landscape in Wayne County as The Blue Hour Sessions announces the launch of its Quarterly Supper Club Series, combining acclaimed jazz performances with chef-driven cuisine and craft beer selections.
The nonprofit arts organization, founded by Executive Director Eric Xavier Dawson and Marketing Director Joanna Arteaga Ferrin, designed the series to offer guests an immersive cultural experience that spans global influences without leaving Goldsboro.
A Vision for Cultural Transportation
“We designed this series to transport guests around the globe without leaving Goldsboro,” said Dawson, whose previous work with the Wayne County Jazz Showcase and Jazz Revival Project in Wilson has garnered significant local recognition and award nominations.
The quarterly events will feature an intimate setting where jazz ensembles perform alongside multi-course menus, with opportunities for guests to engage directly with both artists and chefs. Each event will showcase rotating themes including Latin, African, Caribbean, and Americana influences, complemented by carefully selected menu options and craft beer from Spaceway Brewing.
Established Leadership in Arts Programming
The Blue Hour Sessions, founded in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, focuses on uniting communities through music, food, and education while spotlighting local artists, emerging chefs, and youth mentorship programs. The organization aims to cultivate equity, creativity, and revitalization throughout Wayne County.
Dawson brings more than a decade of arts leadership experience, from collegiate jazz studies to performing with artists ranging from local to world-renowned musicians. His Wayne County Jazz Showcase achieved remarkable growth, increasing attendance by 500% and securing major sponsorships. Both the Wayne County Jazz Showcase and The Jazz Revival Project earned local and statewide recognition for excellence in arts programming.
Expertise in Cultural Marketing
Marketing Director Joanna Arteaga Ferrin contributes extensive experience in marketing for travel, tourism, and arts institutions, along with four advanced degrees and certifications in the arts. Her academic work, which focused on interpreting Latino experiences through art and exhibition, earned her the Quesada Research Award in 2024.
Ferrin’s professional background includes serving as Communications and Creative Services Manager for Visit Goldsboro, board membership with Downtown Goldsboro, and her current role as Creative Services Manager for Wonder Guides, a travel magazine and marketing company working with tourism development authorities across North Carolina and Virginia.
Free Premiere Event Set for July 26
The inaugural event will take place at the historic Sutton Jazz and Blues Cafe in Downtown Goldsboro, offering the public a free preview of the series with a limited menu. Following this premiere, subsequent quarterly events will be ticketed with limited capacity to maintain the intimate atmosphere.
Event Details
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: 204 W Chestnut St, Goldsboro, NC 27530
- Admission: Free to the public
- Venue: Sutton Jazz and Blues Cafe
Community Impact and Future Vision
The Blue Hour Sessions represents a broader effort to strengthen Wayne County’s cultural offerings while supporting local artists and culinary talent. The organization’s commitment to youth mentorship and community engagement positions it as a catalyst for ongoing cultural revitalization in the region.
For those interested in following the organization’s development, The Blue Hour Sessions maintains active social media presence on:
