Tag Archives: First Security Amphitheater

RIP B.B. King

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The one and only B.B. King has left us. While he will no longer be creating new music, he will live on in our memories and in the rich musical legacy he has left.

Here is a photo of him performing at the amphitheatre in Riverfront Park in July 2008.  Also on the bill (and sitting in with B. B. King at the end) was Willie Nelson.

BBKing Willie

Photo by Linda Banks

Over the years, King made numerous appearances in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas.  Ten years ago, he headlined the 2005 Riverfest.  But he had started his career playing in segregated and smaller settings.  His earliest Little Rock performance which has been documented was at Club Morocco in 1951 sharing the stage with Floyd Dixon.

Regardless of where he played, King poured his heart and soul into the performance. Even as he got older and faced health difficulties, he never gave less than his all in a performance.  When he went on stage, any age or infirmity limitations seemed to melt away.

 

MOVIES IN THE PARK announces 2015 movies

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MIP LRIf the Little Rock Film Festival is putting you in the mood for movies in downtown Little Rock, that feeling can continue this summer with the 11th annual Movies in the Park.

The schedule has just been released.

June 3: Divergent (PG-13)

June 10: Ghostbusters (PG)

June 17: The Proposal (PG-13)

June 24: Oz the Great & Powerful (PG)

July 1: Sherlock Holmes (PG-13)

July 8: Despicable Me (PG)

July 15: Mamma Mia (PG)

July 22: The Goonies (PG)

July 29: Iron Man 3 (PG-13)

 

Movies in the Park is a free outdoor movie series in Little Rock’s River Market. The mission of Movies in the Park is help foster a sense of community and enjoyment in downtown Little Rock and throughout Central Arkansas by bringing people together to enjoy a movie in a unique setting along the scenic banks of the Arkansas River.

Movies in the Park is a free outdoor film series shown at First Security Amphitheatre in Riverfront Park. Movies start at dark. You’re welcome to bring picnics but please no glass containers and pick up afterwards. Alcohol is allowed during the movie but, you remain subject to all local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Uniformed security is on site for everyone’s safety. If you choose not to bring your own picnic we do have concessions available for sale. Bring your bug spray, picnic and family and have a good time!

Security will absolutely NOT tolerate groups disturbing the movie. Please find a seat and be respectful of your neighbors’ movie watching experience. If you are there to socialize and not watch the movie, please do so outside of the Amphitheater.

Smoking — it is the policy of the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation that smoking is not allowed in public parks. Please refrain from smoking inside the Amphitheater. If you must smoke please exit the amphitheater to do so.

 

Fund set up to ensure sustained support of July 4th Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Pops on the River featuring ASO

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popsonriverAccording to an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a fund has been set up to ensure long-term sustained support of the paper’s Pops on the River music and fireworks spectacle.  The Pops on the River Charitable Fund has been established at the Arkansas Community Foundation. The first gift was a donation of $100,000 by the Hussman Foundation.

The state’s largest Fourth of July celebration, Pops on the River is a day-long observance that draws around 30,0000 people to the River Market district and First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock. Fireworks and a free concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra highlight the celebration.  The celebration was started in 1983 by the then-Arkansas Democrat just as Riverfront Park was first developing.

“The idea is to try to set up an endowment fund over the years that will generate enough income so that it could pay for Pops on the River,” Democrat-Gazette Publisher Walter E. Hussman Jr. said in the article.  He envisions that the fund will build year by year toward a goal of $1 million.  The goal amount would generate $50,000 per year to cover the costs of Pops on the River.  Though the Hussman Foundation plans on annual donations of $100,000 as economically feasible, the fund is set up to take donations from other foundations as well as corporations and individuals.

Final HOLIDAYS IN THE PARK tonight

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HolidaysInThePark2014Logo_tstFirst Security Amphitheater in Downtown Little Rock has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights this holiday season. You can enjoy a ten minute light show choreographed to music throughout the holiday season.

Over 50,000 lights make up the show.  The display also features the tallest real decorated tree in Arkansas.

Tonight, from 5pm to 10pm, is the final chance to see the Holidays in the Park lights display.

Holidays in the Park kicks off today in Riverfront Park

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HolidaysInThePark2014Logo_tstFirst Security Amphitheater in Downtown Little Rock will be transformed into a winter wonderland of lights this holiday season. You can enjoy a ten minute light show choreographed to music throughout the holiday season.  Over 50,000 lights make up the show.  The display also features the tallest real decorated tree in Arkansas.

Festivities kick off today.  From 3pm until 5pm, there will be a meet & greet with Santa Claus. Come to the River Market Pavilions and enjoy holiday cookies, beverages, crafts, games and much more!
At 5pm today the lights will be turned on in a special ceremony.  The lights will stay on until 10pm.
The Holidays in the Park lighting display will run through January 3.

Take Two – After a Rain Cancellation last week – E.T. Closes Out 2014 Movies in Park season

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MitP10 ETWhile federal government officials in full decontamination suits couldn’t stop E.T., Mother Nature did.  So Movies in the Park has extended a week and is screening a movie tonight.

The 10th anniversary season of Movies in the Park closes out with the 1982 classic E.T.  Steven Spielberg’s tale of an extraterrestrial who is trying to get home has been a hit since it debuted.

The film stars Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Robert McNaughton as three siblings who befriend the creature. Dee Wallace is their mom.  Others in the cast include Peter Coyote and C. Thomas Howell.

Bring the Reese’s Pieces, ride your bicycle and plan for a magical evening of glowing fingertips, amazement and the uttering of the name “Elliott.”

E. T. was nominated for nine Oscars including Best Picture.  It took home four trophies: Sound, Visual Effects, Sound Effects Editing and Score. The latter award went to John Williams for yet another iconic masterpiece.

Now in its 10th season, Movies in the Park is a free outdoor film series at the First Security Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.  The move starts at dark (around 8:30).

Movies in the Park has grown to a season of eight films per year, on average, reaching audiences of up to 7,000 people. It’s a staple event in Central Arkansas. Communities from across the state, and the country, have reached out for guidance as they have tried to implement similar programs in the own communities.

Since 2008, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau has been managing Movies in the Park.

Phone Home – E.T. Closes Out the 2014 Movies in the Park Season

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MitP10 ETThe 10th anniversary season of Movies in the Park closes out with the 1982 classic E.T.  Steven Spielberg’s tale of an extraterrestrial who is trying to get home has been a hit since it debuted.

The film stars Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Robert McNaughton as three siblings who befriend the creature. Dee Wallace is their mom.  Others in the cast include Peter Coyote and C. Thomas Howell.

Bring the Reese’s Pieces, ride your bicycle and plan for a magical evening of glowing fingertips, amazement and the uttering of the name “Elliott.”

E. T. was nominated for nine Oscars including Best Picture.  It took home four trophies: Sound, Visual Effects, Sound Effects Editing and Score. The latter award went to John Williams for yet another iconic masterpiece.

Now in its 10th season, Movies in the Park is a free outdoor film series at the First Security Amphitheater in Riverfront Park.  The move starts at dark (around 8:30).

Movies in the Park has grown to a season of eight films per year, on average, reaching audiences of up to 7,000 people. It’s a staple event in Central Arkansas. Communities from across the state, and the country, have reached out for guidance as they have tried to implement similar programs in the own communities.

Since 2008, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau has been managing Movies in the Park.