The Seby Jones Performing Arts Center - Louisburg College

The Seby Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
and the Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium
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. This year, on it's 20th anniversary,
the complex will be renamed the Seby Jones Performing Arts Center, and the auditorium will be
dedicated as the Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium.
THE SEBY JONES PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 6:00 p.m., and see a great show in the Auditorium
at 8:00 p.m.
To view the Concert Dinner Schedule, click here.
Call the Box Office at 1-866-773-6354 or visit our Auditorium Online Ticket Store to make your
reservations.
Facility Usage
Louisburg College provides the following spaces available for your use:
Louisburg College Auditorium
Norris Theatre
Duke Dining Center
Multi-Purpose Room
Blue Room
Benson Chapel & Conference Rooms
For more information, please call the Louisburg College Box Office at 919.497.3300.