Monthly Archives: September 2015

Little Rock Look Back: Mayor John E. Knight

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Jno E Knight sigOn September 20, 1816, future Little Rock Mayor John Elliott Knight was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts. In 1843 he married Hannah Donnell in New York, and came to Little Rock that same year.

Knight was editor of the Arkansas Democrat from 1846 to 1850. He was also associated with the Arkansas Gazette and published the short-lived Chronicle. In 1851, Knight served as Mayor of Little Rock. In 1855, he served as a member of the City Council.

In 1858 a song was published entitled “I Am Near to Thee” which featured music by Arkansan Benjamin Scull and lyrics by Knight.  The song was dedicated to Mary Woodruff.

During the Civil War, he served as a Colonel.  During the 1850, 1860 and 1880 census, he was listed as an attorney.

He had one daughter, Elizabeth Knight, who married James S. Pollock, a banker in Little Rock. Knight died in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 28, 1901, and was buried in Mount Holly Cemetery. Elizabeth Knight Pollock died in 1910.

As an attorney and newspaper editor, John E. Knight collected documents about the settlement of Little Rock. Those papers are now part of a collection at the Arkansas History Commission.  The majority of these papers are from William Russell to Chester Ashley, pertaining to pre-emption claims in and around Little Rock. Other material concerns the 1819-1822 dispute related to the the New Madrid Certificate and pre-emption claims of James Bryant, Stephen F. Austin, and William M. O’Hara.

“Then Sings My Soul” as River City Men’s Chorus starts 2015-16 season today, this week

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rcmc singsThe thirteenth season of the River City Men’s Chorus starts this week with this first concert of the season – “Then Sings My Soul.”

Join the River City Men’s Chorus as they perform songs of inspiration and hope. New arrangements of familiar hymns, beautiful works by our greatest modern composers and plenty of gospel, this concert will be one you will not want to miss!

Three performances: Sunday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Admission, as always, is free, but come early.

The other two concerts of the season are the annual Holiday show (November 29, 30 and December 3) and “Mighty Waters…and little ponds” (April 17, 18 and 21).

Founded in 2002, the River City Men’s Chorus is under the direction of David Glaze.

Sculpture Vulture: Lorri Acott’s Who Rescued Who

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DSC_1091Little Rock’s newest sculpture was unveiled on Saturday.  Located at the entrance to the Little Rock Animal Village, Lorri Acott’s Who Rescued Who depicts a person and dog looking at each other. They are sharing a bond of respect, admiration and love.

The human figure has Acott’s trademark extended length legs. These represent the ability to overcome obstacles and rise above adversity.  This is even more apt when considering the role that pets can play in our lives, as well as the role humans play in “adopting” rescued pets.

The sculpture is dedicated to the memory of Jack Adcock. It is given by his family, which includes longtime City Director Joan Adcock, their two children, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).

Sculptor Lorri Acott & City Director Joan Adcock with "Who Rescued Who"

Sculptor Lorri Acott & City Director Joan Adcock with “Who Rescued Who”

The unveiling took place at the annual Animal Village “Paw”ty which is a combination birthday party celebration and opportunity for more interaction with animals.

The landscaping for the sculpture was designed and implemented by the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department.  The project was also made possible by the support of Little Rock Animal Services staff, City of Little Rock leadership and Sculpture at the River Market.

Acott is also the creator of “Conversation with Myself” which is located in Riverfront Park’s Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and “Peace” at the corner of Second and Main in downtown.

The 2015 ACANSA wraps up with Gospel Brunch at Wildwood

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St Mark Baptist ChoirJoin ACANSA Arts Festival at Wildwood Park for the Arts for a Gospel Brunch with the award winning Saint Mark Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir.

Sunday brunches are a southern tradition.  Also on Sunday mornings in the south, African-American churches burst into song with the joyous sounds of gospel. Gospel brunches, a relatively new phenomenon, allow an audience to enjoy a sumptuous meal while appreciating this uplifting, soulful music on the day it was meant to be heard.

Price of $35 includes performance and brunch.

Brunch begins at 11:00am.

Other ACANSA events today:

A Little Poetry: The Art of Alonzo Ford will be on view until October 25, 2015 in the Arkansas Arts Center’s Sam Strauss, Jr., Gallery.

The Angela Davis Johnson Exhibit will be on display at the Argenta Gallery all day today (and through October 12). It has free admission as well.

On the fourth day of ACANSA…..

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Acansa day 4The fourth day of this year’s ACANSA Arts Festival offers dance, theatre, music and art!

 

The Urban Bush Women – 7pm (North Little Rock Middle School Auditorium) $20 (general admission); $50 (The Story Continues); $10 students/military

The Urban Bush Women (UBW) keep history alive by presenting dancers that tell stories from the perspective of women in the African diaspora.  This non-profit dance company, based in Brooklyn, New York was founded in 1984 by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.  This group of seven women have performed their diverse pieces across the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia.  UBW previously presented at Spoleto USA and other festivals and received a number of honors including the Capezio Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and the Doris Duke Award for New Work from the American Dance Festival to name a few.

“Blood at the Root” – 8pm (Argenta Community Theatre) $30 (general admission) $15 (students/military)

Based on a true story of the Jena Six, Blood at the Root, written by Dominique Morriseau, is a play that touches on many social issues. Directed by Steve Broadnax, head of the Pennsylvania State theatre program, this play has received international acclaim on its tours through South Africa, Scotland and Australia. It is an exciting piece of work that breaks traditional convention. It speaks to where America is right now racially, economically, and socially. It is also a fun show with musicality, and an emphasis on movement. The inclusion of many different perspectives makes for an exciting, thought provoking performance. Please note: This performance contains strong language.

“Avant-Garde Late Night: Rocktown Distillery with Amasa Hines” – 9pm (Rocktown Distillery) $20 (general admission) 

Join ACANSA’s Avant-Garde at the Rock Town Distillery to dance to the music of Amasa Hines.  Amasa Hines is a seven piece, Little Rock, Arkansas based band whose sound is as big as their influences are wide. Their influences come from a diverse range of Soul, Afro-Beat, Psychedelic, Blues, Dub, and Indie Rock. Refreshments will be served including beer and wine.  Cocktails available for purchase.

A Little Poetry: The Art of Alonzo Ford will be on view until October 25, 2015 in the Arkansas Arts Center’s Sam Strauss, Jr., Gallery.

The Angela Davis Johnson Exhibit will be on display at the Argenta Gallery all day today (and through October 12). It has free admission as well.

 

Today from noon to 11pm, Legends of Arkansas in Riverfront Park

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LOA_logoLegends of Arkansas, the all-day, family-friendly live music and art festival, is Saturday, September 19, 2015. This is the third annual all-Arkansas, grassroots event to be held at Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. We will celebrate some of the best artists and musicians in Arkansas, as well as independent businesses from around the state with free admission to the public.

The music starts at 12:00 p.m. and continues until 11:00 p.m. with more than twenty live bands on two stages; the History Pavilion and First Security Amphitheater. Artists include Adam Faucett & the Tall Grass, The Wild Flowers, Barrett Baber, Good Foot, Whole Fam Damily, Ducktronaut, Collin vs. Adam, Big Piph, Stephan James, Makenzie Jordan, Franko Coleman, Fisher DeClerk, Sarah Cecil, Chris Long Acoustic, Brian Nahlen, Chris DeClerk Solo, Charlotte Taylor w/ Matt Stone, Mothwind, Federalis, Sick Numbles, Groovecluster, S!Bass Cadet, and DJ DripFunk. The Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. Mike Poe with special guest appearances from Shoog Radio’s own Aaron Sarlo and Kara Bibb from KABF.

On the main stage, in between the music, there will be performing artists, pitch competition finals, a hip-hop workshop and award presentations. ReCreation Studios will perform live art around the park throughout the day with stilt-walkers, hula hoop dancers, aerial silk performances on the main stage, and a special fire performance after headlining act, Adam Faucett. Paul Prater will amaze once again with his fringe style performing art. There will also be different artist demonstrating their art throughout the park.

The walkways around the amphitheater will be lined with local art and craft vendors, including some Etsy Little Rock vendors. Small businesses, including some of the finest local food trucks, will be set up around the festival to promote and showcase their businesses, as well as nonprofits, to educate on their causes. Legends of Arkansas, local businesses, and nonprofits hope to show the public how easy it can be to spend and keep our money in our own community.

Legends of Arkansas is family-friendly and admission is free.

4th Annual Tinkerfest today at Museum of Discovery

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tinkerfestThe Museum of Discovery presents its fourth annual Tinkerfest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, offering the public a chance to discover how everyday objects such as cars and computers work, and opportunities to explore the engineering and science behind building objects.

More than 40 stations will be set up both inside and outside the museum. Among the activities Tinkerfest visitors can engage in:  

  • Toy take-apart
  • Car take-apart
  • Water exploration activities
  • Marshmallow shooters
  • Tiny drawings
  • Light painting
  • “How to make” workshops
  • Squishy circuits
  • Cardboard maze
  • Construction for kids

There also will be food trucks at Tinkerfest selling a variety of food.

“Tinkerfest is one of the great days of the year at the Museum of Discovery,” said Kelley Bass, museum CEO. “It’s invigorating to see hundreds of families engaged in hands-on activities that are as instructional as they are enjoyable. Tinkerfest is directly aligned with the museum’s mission, and we’re happy the public has embraced it so enthusiastically.”

Cross Gunter Witherspoon and Galchus is Tinkerfest’s presenting sponsor. The event is also made possible through financial support from Welspun Tubular; Arkansas Discovery Network; East-Harding Construction; AT&T; Entergy Arkansas; Central Arkansas Water; Nabholz Construction; Arkansas School for Math, Science and Arts; Acxiom; Ace Glass; Caterpillar; VCC; and Spectra Entergy.

Tinkerfest activities are included in the museum’s regular daily admission: $10 for adults, $8 for children 1-12 and free for infants younger than 1. Seniors, teachers, Little Rock city employees and active and retired military are admitted for $8.

To learn more about Tinkerfest, visit https://www.museumofdiscovery.org/events/tinkerfest.  

Museum of Discovery’s mission is to ignite a passion for science, technology and math in a dynamic, interactive environment.