Tag Archives: South on Main

Late Night at South on Main – SeanFresh and The Nasty Fresh take the stage

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som seanfreshTonight at 10, South on Main welcomes SeanFresh to the stage.  His melodic and sultry voice is backed by his electric and energetic band, The Nasty Fresh.

Doors open at 4:00 PM, show begins at 10:00 PM. Wristbands can be purchased for $10 after doors open.

SeanFresh (voted as a finalist by the Arkansas Times for 2015 Artist of the Year) is a Little Rock native and has been working on the musical and visual part of his latest project, The Teshuvah Project, for the past 3 years. The Teshuvah Project is a series of three musically pieces and visual components that tell a story of love, lust and pain that is sure to be one of the best albums of the year.

Tonight at 8 at South on Main – Oxford American presents Lera Lynn

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Tonight at 8pm, the Oxford American magazine welcomes Lera Lynn to the South on Main stage to kick off our 2015 – 2016 Americana Series!

Doors open at 6pm, with dinner and drinks available for purchase at that time. This series is made possible by our presenting sponsor, Ben E. Keith Foods Mid-South Division, and in part by the generosity of The Summer Foundation.

Tickets are $13 (General Admission), $17 (Reserved), and $22 (Premium Reserved).

Born in Houston, Texas, Nashville-based, and Georgia-bred, singer-songwriter Lera Lynn creates music that may be hard to categorize, but that is exactly why she appeals to so many. While the music business likes to wrap everything up in neat little packages, that isn’t always possible. Lera’s music has frequently been filed under “Americana,” “Folk,” and “Country.” But those categorizations tell only part of the story. “I just want to stop thinking about music as a marketing campaign,” Lera says. “Ray Charles went from jazz to R&B to country. Paul McCartney will do a ballad next to ‘Helter Skelter’ and not think twice. The most successful and lasting artists let inspiration steer them, not genre or marketing pitch. I’m just doing what moves me as it comes.”

Lynn’s album, The Avenues, produced by Joshua Grange, was released in September 2014. With The Avenues, Lynn created a mature album that resolutely defies pigeonholing. There is respect and nostalgia for the past while still pushing towards the future. “Where does my music fit?” says Lynn, “it’s the hardest question to answer. It’s something I’m constantly thinking about, and something people ask. I haven’t found an answer. I think it’s sexy. It’s sophisticated.”

“[The] album is the culmination of a life spent in music. Performing has been pretty constant for me my whole life,” she says. If you catch Lera performing live these days, she may be with a band—or playing as a duo with Joshua Grange on pedal steel. Either way, you’ll see a natural in action.

Tonight’s Oxford American Local Live at South on Main: Jeff Coleman & the Feeders

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llsom jcfeedersTonight at 7:30pm, the Oxford American magazine’s Local Live concert at South on Main features Jeff Coleman & the Feeders! As always, Local Live is free and open to the public. To guarantee a table/seat for this popular series, call ahead at (501) 244-9660.

Jeff Coleman & the Feeders have shared the stage with other musical talents such as Lucero, Son Volt, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jack Ingram, Cracker, Eli Young, Randy Rogers, Pat Green, Marty Stewart, Casey Donahew, Dash Rip Rock, and Billy Joe Shaver to name just a few.

This four-piece is comprised of Jeff Coleman (lead vocals, guitar, and keyboard), Mark Chiaro (lead guitar), Stan James (drums), and Jerry Cordova (bass, backing vocals).

The Bo-Keys headline at South on Main tonight, sponsored by Oxford American and ACANSA

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acansa bokeysTonight at 10pm, ACANSA partners with the Oxford American to present Memphis soul band The Bo-Keys as part of the 2015 ACANSA Arts Festival! The concert starts at 10:00 PM with doors opening at 5:00 PM. South on Main will be open for normal dinner service prior to the concert. If you have tickets and intend to dine before the concert, you may make reservations for 8:30 p.m. or later by calling South on Main at (501) 244-9660.ACANSA logo

Tickets for The Bo-Keys are $15 each, and all seating is general admission. Seating at tables is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-seated basis when doors open. Purchase individual tickets to The Bo-Keys via Metrotix.com, or by calling (800) 293-5949. ACANSA Festival Pass buyers are also permitted entry to this concert. For more info on ACANSA passes click here.

The word “soul” has powerful resonance—musically, culturally and spiritually—and no contemporary band embodies the power of soul more than The Bo-Keys.

Through two critically acclaimed albums and four singles, as well as international appearances at major festivals and clubs, The Bo-Keys have kept the spirit of classic Memphis music alive, while also writing a vital new chapter for the sound and style that’s etched into the fiber of American consciousness.

The Bo-Keys’ multi-generational cast of players—some in their eighth decade—bring a high level of virtuosity developed cutting literally hundreds of hits during the ’60s and ’70s to those recordings. Or, in the case of younger members like Bomar, hundreds of hours digesting those records. But onstage, they embody the lively spirit of Memphis soul, digging in hard to deliver the deep grooves and wealth of emotions at the style’s core as they take the music around the world, making such prestigious stops as California’s Doheny Blues Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, and Italy’s Poretta Soul Festival. The Bo-Keys have also supported the fabled soul singers Rufus and Carla Thomas, William Bell, Otis Clay, Sam Moore, Eddie Floyd, and Syl Johnson in concert.

Skip Pitts, a funk-soul innovator whose numerous credits include cutting the wah-wah guitar introduction to “Theme From Shaft,” was Scott Bomar‘s partner in founding The Bo-Keys along with trumpeter Marc Franklin. Franklin cut his teeth touring with Bobby “Blue” Bland before becoming a first-call R&B session player, and today tours with Gregg Allman. Joe Restivo replaced Pitts after his death in 2012. Restivo also plies his exceptional soul and jazz guitar vocabulary as leader of the all-instrumental band the City Champs. The Bo-Keys’ remaining elder statesmen include drummer Howard Grimes, who drove Stax and Hi Records hits for Ann Peebles, Al Green and others. Organist Archie “Hubby” Turner was also part of the Hi Rhythm Section, playing on historic sessions for Green, Peebles, O.V. Wright, and more. Trumpeter Ben Cauley was a charter member of the Bar Kays. That band cut the smash “Soul Finger” for Stax and toured behind Otis Redding. Cauley was the sole survivor of the plane crash that claimed Redding and his bandmates. He continued to record at Stax with Isaac Hayes and the Staples Singers. And vocalist Percy Wiggins has a long and storied history in gospel and soul music. He began performing at age thirteen with his brother Spencer and sister Maxine in the New Rival Gospel Singers, and went on to cut sides in the ’60s for the RCA and Atco labels with a band that included a pre-fame Jimi Hendrix. The Bo-Keys horn section includes relative youngsters Kirk Smothers and Art Edmaiston on saxes, plus Franklin on trumpet. Edmaiston is also a member of Gregg Allman’s band.

 

Day 3 of ACANSA offers A Little Poetry and a lot of music, theatre and art

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Acansa day 3The third day of this year’s ACANSA Arts Festival offers theatre, music and art!  Four different stages offer opportunities to experience unique performances.

A Little Poetry: The Art of Alonzo Ford – 5:30PM reception (Arkansas Arts Center)

The exhibition will be on view September 15 to October 25, 2015 in the Arkansas Arts Center’s Sam Strauss, Jr., Gallery.

Alonzo Ford, grew up on farm in the Southland Community near Lexa, Arkansas. His figurative drawings focus on his memories of a life lived on his family farm. Ford enjoys creating with color and drawing landscapes that depict farm life and old buildings and active portraits. Stark figures engage in the daily activities Ford recalls from childhood leaving one with a sense of the activity, simplicity, and intimacy of mid-century rural life in Arkansas.

The Exchange – 7pm (Albert Pike Memorial Temple) $20 (general admission); $50 (A Capella Lounge); $10 students/military

In just the past year, The Exchange, debuted their original EP, toured with the Backstreet Boys, and had a featured spot on NBC&The Sing Off.; The bands explosive energy is ignited by their diversity in music styles ranging from rock to hip-hop to opera. This amazing A Capella group blends different styles and instrumentation, but its sound will always be defined;by the raw, soulful power of the human voice.

The A Capella Lounge – “Meet the Artists” reception after the performance.

 

“The Dork Knight” – 9pm (Arkansas Rep Black Box, 550 Main) $20 (general admission)

Jason O’Connell brings an iconic interpretation of his relationship with Batman through the years. His impersonations are so lifelike that if you close your eyes, you would swear you were in the room with Christian Bale or Jack Nicholson. O’Connell keeps audiences in rapt attention, at times laughing hysterically or mesmerized in complete silence and he takes you with him on this journey with Batman.

“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.

 

The Bo-Keys – 10pm (South on Main) $20 (general admission)

The Bo-Keys are a soul/jazz band from Memphis, formed as an homage to the city’s rich musical tradition. They keep the sound of classic Memphis R&B vital and contemporary.Featuring legendary singer Percy Wiggins and led by Grammy nominated producer-bassist Scott Bomar, group also includes historic session musicians from Stax and Hi Records studio bands

Earlier in the day – at noon, there is a Lunch and Learn at the Argenta Branch of the Laman Library.  It will feature a discussion of Arkansas art pottery by David E. Gifford. This program is free.

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. A reception will take place this evening.

Tonight’s Oxford American Local Live concert at South on Main features Steve Hester and DejaVooDoo Trio!

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LOCAL_LIVE_Logo2Tonight at 7:30 pm, join the Oxford American magazine for this week’s Local Live concert at South on Main, featuring Steve Hester and DejaVooDoo Trio!

As always, Local Live is free and open to the public. To guarantee a table/seat for this popular series, call ahead at (501) 244-9660.

Steve Hester and DejaVooDoo is a high energy Southern Rock/Blues Rock/Country Rock band doing originals and original style covers. The band has performed with B.B. King, Eric Gales, Chris Duarte, Johnny Winter, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’Nois King, Valerie June, Tony Joe White, Black Oak Arkansas, Samantha Fish, Anthony Gomes and Devon Allman. They have performed at The Sundance Film Festival Eco Hide Away Lounge, Pre Emmy parties and House of Blues on Sunset Strip in L.A., Spa City Blues Festival Hot Springs AR 2014, Bikes Blues and Barbeque Festival Fayetteville AR 2014, Highland Jazz and Blues Festival Shreveport LA 2014.

They are regulars on The VooDoo Stage at House of Blues in Dallas, and fast becoming regular Headliners at festivals all over the US! Endorsed by Saint Blues Guitar Workshop in Memphis, TN and Rocky Mountain Slide Company Salida, CO and GHS Strings Battle Creek, MI.

Tonight at 7:30 at South on Main – FREE Oxford American Local Live concert with Steve Suter and Friends

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llsom suterTonight at 7:30 PM is this week’s installment of the Oxford American Local Live concert series. The music tonight is provided by Steve Suter and Friends.

Presented by the Oxford American magazine, Local Live showcases the best of local and regional music talent and is always free and open to the public. Call ahead to South on Main to make your reservations and ensure a table: (501) 244-9660.

Steve Suter and Friends will bring with them a beautiful night of jazz, standards, and some surprises! Presented by Steve Suter, formerly with the Gatemouth Brown Big Band, Bonerama, and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Rompin’ New Orleans-style trombone will be joined by Chris Parker and his beautifully sophisticated Arkansas piano. Friends will stop by as the night progresses…

 

Steven Michael Suter is a native of New Orleans and currently resides in Hot Springs. He is a graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans (B.M.), and Northwestern University of Chicago (M.M.). Joining him for this performance, among others, is Little Rock pianist Chris Parker.

Having played with such diverse and varied groups such as the Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown Big Band, the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maxim Shostakovich, Bonerama, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Millar Brass Ensemble, and the Al Belletto Big Jazz Band, it is quite evident that Suter’s expertise crosses all musical genres.

Suter has also played with Pete Fountain, Natalie Cole, Rita Moreno, Bobby Vinton, Bob Hope, Ray Charles, the Temptations, the O’Jays, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Don Rickles, and Mel Torme to name a few.

He has recorded with Bonerama, Jill Scott, Solomon Burke, Al Martino, Barry Manilow, Al Belletto, Gatemouth Brown, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, and the Millar Brass Ensemble. He’s has made television appearances on MSNBC with the “Mississippi Rising” telethon for Katrina victims, and on NBC withExtreme Makeover: Home Edition. He played in the house band for HBO’s Comic Relief in ’06, was featured at the ’07 Sugar Bowl, and performed on Late Night with David Letterman with Bonerama and Damien Kulash.

He was a member of Bonerama when the group received awards from Offbeat magazine and the Big Easy Awards, both of New Orleans, for outstanding performance. Suter received special recognition by NAJE for jazz education in 2000, and in 2006 Steven was named one of New Orleans Magazine‘s “Jazz All-Stars.”

In addition to a busy schedule of performing, teaching, and writing music, Steven is currently the Programs and Services Counsel for The Muses Creative Artistry Project, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preservation of classical art and music through performance and education.