Category Archives: Music

Tonight on CALS Ron Robinson Theater stage: Hot Club of Cowtown

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CALS Arkansas Sounds presents Hot Club of Cowtown

Since 1998, the Western swing-gypsy-jazz trio Hot Club of Cowtown has traveled the world bringing their magical musical chemistry to audiences. Violinist Elana James, guitarist Whit Smith, and bassist Jake Erwin are equal partners in this original marriage of gypsy and jazz inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt—which accounts for the “Hot Club” portion of their name—with the hoedowns, traditional tunes, and Western swing–inspired music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, represented in the “Cowtown” part of their name. This performance features a special musical tribute celebrating 50 years since the release of The Band‘s self-titled album, featuring Arkansas music legend Levon Helm!

Tickets are $25 for general admission seating. The doors open at 7:00 pm and the concert starts at 8:00 pm.

Presented by CALS Arkansas Sounds and the Acansa Arts Festival.

Sponsored by Friends of the Central Arkansas Library System (FOCAL), Acansa Arts Festival, FM 89.1 KUAR, Dr. Elizabeth Fletcher Dishongh Charitable Trust and David Austin at The Charlotte John Company.

ACANSA 2019 Opening Reception features Ballet Arkansas and Open Studios preview

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#ACANSA2019 Opening Reception

Featuring: Ballet Arkansas/Art with a Twist

Open Studios Artist Preview Exhibition as well as to more exhibits: Reflections (Carol Corning) and “Pass the Biscuits!”: The King Biscuit Blues Festival and Arkansas Blues 

Friday, September 13 – 5:00pm
Admission:  Free
CALS’ Roberts Library (formerly the Arkansas Studies Institute building)

The ACANSA Arts Festival of the South kicks off three weeks of performing arts, visual arts exhibitions and presentations during a free Opening Reception. Inside CALS’ Roberts Library in downtown Little Rock’s River Market, the ACANSA Festival Opening Reception includes an exhibit featuring artists participating in the Little Rock Arts + Culture Commission’s Open Studios.

Just outdoors, Ballet Arkansas brings even more levity to the Festival’s launch with an innovative cross-pollination between visual and performance art. Art with a Twist explores the motion behind the creation of modern art when Ballet Arkansas dancers use their bodies to create four unique outdoor pieces of visual art.Image may contain: 1 person, dancing

Tonight at South on Main – Jackie Venson returns

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Jackie VensonSouth on Main welcomes back Jackie Venson back to its stage on Saturday, September 7. Show begins at 8 pm. Purchase advance tickets for $7 or pay $10 at the door. Tickets do not guarantee you a seat. Please call (501) 244-9660 to reserve a table.

It is legend that a blistering Jackie Venson guitar solo knocked Pluto straight out of planetary existence.

Venson’s “…astonishing mix of raw soul, superb musicianship and laid back grace…” (Austin American Statesman, June 2014) has been compared to the likes of Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and fellow Austin native Gary Clark, Jr. Originally a classical pianist, Jackie picked up the guitar, shortly after graduating from Berklee College of Music, and made the giant leap from the tradition of classical music to the raw and gritty blues.

Enthralled with music since the age of 8, this young singer/songwriter/musician instantly captures your attention with a vibrant musical soul and passionate control of her instruments, that reach far beyond her tender age. As she mindfully blends Blues, Rock, R&B, Soul and more, with her introspective lyrics, the message is clear. When you’re listening to Jackie you hear the “Truth in Music”.

In recognition of her dedication to her craft, Bestfan.com said “Venson is no dilettante, wannabe performer, however a real staple of what a musician can achieve when they put in their 10,000 hours for both musical schooling, and late night pub sessions for practical honing.”

Her live performances revisits what makes music so powerful: emotion and passion. She thrives without the flash, instead favoring a clean sound, genuine soul, and meaningful connection with her audience. Music is not only what Venson does – but also defines who she is and reminds her where she wants to be: performing.

Having finished her second tour of Europe and the recent declaration of “Jackie Venson Day” (May 21st) in the “Live Music Capital of the World” Austin, TX, there’s no doubt she has every reason to lead the way with the trademark smile that accompanies her magnificent musicianship.

As part of SOMA After Dark – A Rowdy Faith is at South on Main tonight

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A Rowdy Faith :: SOMA After Dark Join South on Main for an evening with A Rowdy Faith  on Friday, September 6, as part of neighborhood-wide event SOMA After Dark. Concert begins at 9 pm. Purchase advance tickets for $7 or pay a $10 cover at the door. Tickets do not guarantee you a seat. To reserve a table, please call (501) 244-9660.

South on Main will offer a vegan menu that evening, in addition to their regular menu.

A Rowdy Faith is the partnership of Arkansas songwriters and long-time friends Alisyn Reid and Cate Davison, combining Alisyn’s folk/Americana with Cate’s Southern Gothic style. In 2012, Alisyn released a solo album and won 2nd place in the Ozark Folk Festival songwriting contest.

In 2016, A Rowdy Faith was a semi-finalist in the Arkansas Times Musician Showcase. In 2017, A Rowdy Faith released their first album as a duo. With the addition of Gene Reid on lead guitar and Ty Reid on bass, the band balances lighthearted banter with themes of death, heartbreak, ghosts and devils, and moving through pain.

Find a sampling of their music from their self-titled album on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, or Amazon. You can also connect with the band on Facebook.

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On as Arkansas Rep presents MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

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Million Dollar Quartet, a Tony Award-winning smash hit Broadway musical, is the next production in The Rep’s 2019 Season. Tickets for the production, which runs Sept. 4-Oct. 6, are available at TheRep.org.

Based on the book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet chronicles the epic 1956 recording session of young rock ‘n roll stars Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

“It’s more than just a jukebox musical,” said Director Hunter Foster. “It’s a dramatic play. But, the music is still the star and by the end people are usually dancing in the aisles.”  Foster was an original cast member on Broadway.

Showcased hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.

“All the music that audiences will hear is actually being played by the actors,” Foster said. “Most audiences can’t believe they are playing because they are so good! We’re bringing some of the best actor/musicians in the country to Arkansas.”

The Arkansas Rep cast includes Trent Rowland (Elvis Presley), Bill Scott Sheets (Johnny Cash), Skye Scott (Carl Perkins), Brandyn Day (Jerry Lee Lewis), Karack Osborn (Sam Phillips), Alyssa Gardner (Dyanne), Brian Wolverton (Jay Perkins) and David W. Lincoln (W.S. “Fluke” Holland).

The design and creative team includes Lauren T. Roark, costume designer; Erin Reed, associate costume designer; Adam Koch, set designer; Steven Royal, associate set designer; James Barry, music supervisor; Kirk Bookman, original lighting designer; Steve O’Shea, lighting designer; and Luke Mitchell, sound designer. The stage manager is Colin JB and Merit Glover is the assistant stage manager.

Tickets start at $20. Discounts are available for full-time students, season subscribers, seniors and military personnel. For complete information, visit TheRep.org.