Tag Archives: John Willis

BARD BALL tomorrow night

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AST_logoFriday is only March’s SEVENTH NIGHT, but tis the appointed evening for the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre BARD BALL.

Join Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre at this year’s Bard Ball and travel back to the Big Band era for an evening of swing music, savory appetizers and a sneak peek at the upcoming theatrical season.

March 7th, 6:30 p.m.
Junior League Building
401 Scott Street
Little Rock, AR
Cocktail Attire

Dance the night away in the Junior League Building‘s enchanting ballroom to the sounds of Sinatra and his gang, as performed by John Willis. Bid on fabulous live- and silent-auction items while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. Get a glimpse at the 2014 season when Jordan Coughtry, this summer’s Hamlet, plays original music he is composing for upcoming performances of Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Artist Steve Griffith will be doing a live painting at this Friday night’s Bard Ball, and the lucky highest bidder can walk away with this original piece at the end of evening. Special thanks to him and all the other artists who have donated INCREDIBLE work for this event!

Tickets for the Bard Ball–which can be purchased here–are $75 in advance or $650 for a table of 10. Admission is $90 at the door. All proceeds from the night go toward the AST 2014 summer season.

To put you in a mood – some Shakespeare quotes about dancing:

MERCUTIO

Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.

ROMEO

Not I, believe me: you have dancing shoes
With nimble soles: I have a soul of lead
So stakes me to the ground I cannot move.

Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene 4

PROTEUS

For Orpheus’ lute was strung with poets’ sinews,
Whose golden touch could soften steel and stones,
Make tigers tame and huge leviathans
Forsake unsounded deeps to dance on sands

Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act III, Scene 2

LORD POLONIUS

And let him ply his music.

Hamlet, Act I, Scene 2

For more information on the event, contact Liz Parker at 501-450-5092 or lizp@uca.edu.

John Willis in Concert tonight at AETN – Be a part of a Free Taping

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jqw aetnWhat do you get when you combine equal parts chamber pop, folk and jazz? If new release “King of the Cocktail Party EP” can serve as evidence, we take the answer to be singer-songwriter John Willis.

A music lover of eclectic tastes, ranging from Motown, gospel and 60s-70s songwriters to classical, jazz and world music, Willis creates a lush pop mix with piano and vocal harmonies that’s drawn comparisons to Harry Nilsson, Rufus Wainwright and Feist. Come experience the show for your self at the free “AETN Presents: On the Front Row” concert on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 pm

The performance will feature Willis on lead vocals, piano and guitar; Chris Atwood on bass; Evan Barr on drums; Sarah Sticklin on backup vocals and additional keyboards; and Sydney Hunsicker on backup vocals, accordion, harmonica and additional percussion.
The show will air later in the year as part of the “AETN Presents” 10th Anniversary Season, celebrating the wide variety of arts and cultural subjects from across the Natural State. Learn more about our previous guests and specials on the AETN Presents program page.
“AETN Presents: On the Front Row With John Willis” Concert Taping
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2013, 6:30 pm (doors open). Concert taping from 7pm to 8pm.
AETN Studios, 350 S. Donaghey Ave., Conway

iPhotos 2011: The Arty

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Like many people, the Little Rock Culture Vulture has an iPhone and takes many iPhotos. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, the entries highlight some of his favorite personal iPhotos taken in Little Rock during 2011. The are divided into the Good, the Odd and the Arty.

Today focuses on The Arty. These 11 from ’11 are presented chronologically. These were mistakes, but upon reflection some turned out interesting photos in their own right.

Rain reflected on the dashboard of the Culture Vulture's Vue - April 2011

Capital Hotel lobby - May 2011

 

Tired Rep carpet pre-renovation at last night prior to renovation - June 2011

 

Inside Clinton Library - June 2011

Little Rock Wind Symphony Flag Day Concert in MacArthur Park by MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History - June 2011

Downtown lights - July 2011

Light and shadow - Little Rock - October 2011

Wally Allen Ballroom at Statehouse Convention Center for 50th anniversary party of Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods - October 2011

John Willis and friends concert on UALR Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall stage - November 2011

Floor of Capital Hotel lobby - November 2011

Capital Hotel exterior decorated for Christmas by Tipton Hurst - December 2011

UALR Music shines spotlight on JOHN Q. WILLIS

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John Q. Willis, who has been entertaining audiences at various venues throughout Central Arkansas for the past several years, is the featured songwriter at the UALR Music Department’s Songwriter Showcase.  As a performer and writer, Willis is firmly planted in the tradition of the great singer-songwriters from the era of standards, pop music, jazz, folk, and gospel. He draws on many musical genres for inspiration, but also presents his own personal stamp.

Willis will perform songs from his upcoming release, The Other World, as well as selections from a larger work called Salvation Songs. The first part of the programme will feature works by students of the UALR songwriting program.

The concert will be tonight, Tuesday November 22 at 7:30pm at Stella Boyle Smith recital hall and is presented by the office of Campus Life and the UALR Department of Music. Admission is free.