15 Highlights of 2015 – Museum of Discovery’s new World Record Musical Bi-Polar Tesla Coil

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For the final fifteen days of 2015, a look back at some of the cultural highlights of 2015.

Up next –

The Museum of Discovery unveiled a word record treat for the eyes and ears with the new Guinness World Record musical bi-polar Tesla coil!

The tesla coil – named after its inventor Nikola Tesla, the developer of the alternating current system of electricity used today – is a device that creates high-voltage electricity at a high frequency visible to the eye.  The Museum of Discovery’s coil emits electrical discharges to a variety of songs and will share the record for the world’s largest bi-polar tesla coil with the coil at the Hands On Regional Museum in Johnson City, Tennessee.

The device, which can produce 200,000 volts of electricity, was built by Goodchild Engineering in Arizona and donated to the Museum of Discovery by Richard Mathias, founder and president of Tesla Coil Museum Exhibit Program, LLC, through a matching grant program from the General Electric Foundation.

“This world-record tesla coil will literally illuminate the work of this pivotal inventor and help the Museum of Discovery successfully fulfill its mission of igniting a passion for science, technology and math in our very interactive, hands-on environment,” said Kelley Bass, museum CEO. “We are grateful to Richard Mathias and the GE Foundation for making this opportunity possible for our museum and our visitors.”

The coil is housed in a new theater in the museum’s Discovery Hall.

There is a $2 additional fee to experience the show in the Tesla Coil Theater. Museum members pay an additional $1.

ImprovLittleRock’s 11th Annual Family Christmas is tonight!

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ImprovLittleRock’s longest-running tradition returns tonight! Unlike an unwanted visit from relatives, this is a limited time offer – only one night!

Spend the last Saturday night before Christmas sharing in their laughter, pajama-wearing and improv shenanigans.

Just $8 at the door to get in. They supply the holiday cheer and candy canes.

Please wear your ugly sweaters, pajamas, or whatever garb puts you in the spirit.

The fun is at the Public Theater, 616 Center Street at 10PM!

Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday continues this weekend

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Celebrity Attractions continues the 2015-16 Broadway season in central Arkansas with Neil Berg’s BROADWAY HOLIDAY at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center.  Neil Berg’s BROADWAY HOLIDAY is the number one touring Broadway concert in America – it brings Broadway’s greatest together for a cherished holiday event.  It opened last night and continues through Sunday.

This winter Neil Berg’s critically acclaimed musical revue Broadway Holiday will appear in cities all across the country. Direct from New York, five of Broadway’s brightest stars will warm the theatre with favorites from hit shows such as LES MISERABLES and DREAMGIRLS through groundbreakers like WEST SIDE STORY and Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, to current blockbusters like JERSEY BOYS and WICKED. The show will also feature much-loved holiday tunes.

Neil Berg pursues the best that Broadway has to offer and that also applies to bringing the best performers to you. This talented cast consists of David Jennings, Carter Calvert, Andrea Rivette, Chuck Wagner and Jason Wooten.  Presented by Celebrity Attractions, Neil Berg’s BROADWAY HOLIDAY will take the stage at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center December 18th-20th. Celebrity Attractions’ 2015-2016 Broadway Season is held at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of Maumelle High School.

The remaining performances are Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $35, $53, and $60.  Tickets are available by phone at (501) 244-8800 or (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (501) 492-3312.

Get social with Celebrity Attractions by becoming a fan on Facebook.com/BWayLR.  Follow the Little Rock engagement of Neil Berg’s BROADWAY HOLIDAY on Twitter.com/BwayLittleRock or join the conversation using #BWayHolidayLR.

For more information, visit www.CelebrityAttractions.com.

Tawanna Campbell in performance at South on Main tonight at 10pm

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som tawannaSouth on Main is thrilled to welcome Tawanna Campbell for her first show on their stage! The magic happens tonight, December 18.  Doors open at 4:00 PM, show begins at 10:00 PM. Wristbands can be purchased for $15 after doors open. Call ahead to reserve a table (501) 244-9660.

For years Tawanna Campbell has been a beacon, leading the way for Arkansas’ burgeoning Soul musical scene. An all-encompassing performer, Tawanna possesses a heavenly sound, amazing stage presence and a style all her own.

Sparking comparisons to everyone from Patti LaBelle to Alicia Keys to the queen of soul herself Aretha Franklin Tawanna does not allow herself or her music to be pigeonholed. Her musical acumen is eclectic and dynamic. her range of performances run the musical spectrum. She’s performed at Easter Sunrise services, Jazz festivals and classical concerts. She’s even provided the musical backdrop for another Arkansas gem, Academy Award winner and Newport native Mary Steenburgen. A little known fact is that in addition to being an award-winning actress Steenburgen is also a songwriter and she has, for years collaborated with Tawanna on several songs for Universal Records.

Tawanna’s unique musical gifts know no bounds. A devoted protege’ of musical luminary and veteran Broadway performer the late Lawrence Hamilton, Tawanna never fails to impress. Whether performing soul stirring, down home gospel classics, legendary soul hits or contemporary R&B Tawanna gives her absolute all to guarantee an outstanding performance every time out.

Tawanna’s soothing, smooth and moving tones have long served as the Natural State’s voice. She is a talented and beautiful star who continues to light the way not only for Arkansas’ grown & sexy sect but for music lovers around the world.

Little Rock Look Back: School Children Sing Christmas Carols at Robinson Auditorium

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Christmas Carols

Photo from Arkansas Gazette

Right now, music is silenced at Robinson Center.  During the renovation, violins and tubas have been replaced by saws and heavy equipment.

Similarly, 76 years ago, the halls of that building were alive with only the sounds of construction.  But out front, on December 18, 1939, the sounds of Christmas carols filled the air.

That afternoon, 500 school children from elementary schools were joined by the A Capella Choir of Little Rock High School as they sang Christmas carols on the front steps of the auditorium on a weekday afternoon.  The singers were accompanied by the Little Rock High School Brass Sextet.  The invocation for the event, which was sponsored by the Little Rock Council of Parents and Teachers, was delivered by the Right Reverend Richard Bland Mitchell, the Episcopal Bishop of Arkansas.

A Christmas tree in front of City Hall was lit up as part of the ceremony as well.  Media coverage noted that the audience witnessing the program stood on the front steps of the Pulaski County Courthouse, the side lawn of City Hall and in front of the steps of Robinson Auditorium.  It was also noted that most windows in the nearby government buildings were filled with people watching the ceremony.

15 Highlights of 2015 – New Visual Arts Building Announced for UALR thanks to gift from Windgate Foundation

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Entry DriveFor the final fifteen days of 2015, a look back at some of the cultural highlights of 2015.

Up next–

In May, UALR announced plans for a new Visual Arts Building.  With a target date to open in fall 2017, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s newest building will be among the finest higher education facilities in the country for visual arts education.

UALR unveiled the design concept for the 71,636 square-foot building during a news conference in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall. The visual arts building will be funded by a $20.3 million grant award approved by the Trustees of the Windgate Charitable Foundation, headquartered in Siloam Springs. The grant, designated for building construction and equipment, is the second largest gift in UALR’s history.

UALR serves about 1,000 students each year who are enrolled in visual arts classes. This semester, 180 students have designated visual arts as their major, and there are 16 full-time faculty devoted to visual arts programs.

The new facility, to be located on the UALR campus at 28th Street and East Campus Drive, will bring together under one roof the applied design program currently located at University Plaza and the art history and studio arts programs currently in the Fine Arts Building, a structure built in 1977 to house the departments of art and music.

The new building will integrate UALR’s Applied Design, Art History and Studio Arts classes into a facility that promotes collaboration and creativity between students, faculty and guests under one roof. Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Art History and 2D Design and Illustration classrooms will be located on the north side of the building to make use of the large expanse of glass along 28th Street.

Faculty and administrative offices will be oriented on the south side to take advantage of the campus and natural plaza views. Photography and Graphic Design spaces will complete the programs that are housed within the visual arts track.

Students and visitors have the opportunity to experience two generous art galleries within the building showcasing both permanent and transitional exhibits or attend a guest lecturer speaking in the 80-seat lecture hall and reception venue on the ground floor.

The Applied Design spaces will be organized within a single story industrial high bay section of the building to take advantage of the expansive volumes of space necessary for Sculpture/Metalsmithing/Furniture Design /3D Craft & Fibers/Ceramics. Each of these spaces has access to an outdoor studio space that allows work on large pieces with natural ventilation and sunlight.

The building will be designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating with the USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art/Applied Design track, a unique program in Arkansas, primarily serves students interested in the study of traditional arts and crafts representative of the South Central region of the U.S., with particular emphasis upon craft practices within Arkansas.

“The vision of the Department of Art is to be a destination center for students intent on pursuing lifelong careers in the visual arts,” said department chair Tom Clifton. “This new facility will enable the department to embrace traditional, contemporary, and technological approaches to the visual arts in central Arkansas and provide opportunities for students throughout the southern region of the United States.

The Windgate Charitable Foundation has provided consistent and visionary support of the UALR Department of Art through scholarships, program support, visiting artists, workshops and gallery exhibitions.

Holiday Music with ASO this weekend!

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dec 18 20The ASO’s most popular and longest running tradition brings holiday cheer to music lovers of all ages. Featuring holiday music you know and the best artists from around the state – and beyond! – this concert is an ASO favorite and the best way to settle in to the most wonderful time of the year with the whole family!
The ASO, under the direction of Associate Conductor Geoffrey Robson, will showcase holiday favorites like Joy to the World, Silver Bells, and Silent Night, seasonal orchestral classics from Bach and Gabrieli, children’s choir, the gospel vocals of Vickie Woodard, and special guest Bonnie Montgomery on vocals and guitar.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
BACH, J.S. Zion Hört die Wachter Singen from BWV 140 (Children’s Choir)
GABRIELI Canzon Noni Toni (Antiphonal brass)
von HERBECK Pueri Concinite (Children’s Choir + Christine Westhoff)
Silver Bells arr. Holcombe (Christine Westhoff)
O Holy Night (Christine Westhoff)
Silent Night (Children’s Choir)

INTERMISSION

Carol of the Bells
Pretty Paper (Bonnie Montgomery)
Little Drummer Boy (Bonnie Montgomery)
Deck the Halls Arr. Davis
Go Tell It on the Mountain Arr. (Vickie Woodard)
Joy To The World Arr. Schnurr (Vickie Woodard)
Christmas Singalong Arr. Finnegan (Bonnie Montgomery and others)

The concerts are at the Connor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Pulaski Academy.  They start at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.