Upcoming ProductionsRoyal Players will present The Fantasticks on April 26-29 and May 3-6 at the Royal Theatre in Downtown Benton with Frank O. Butler directing, assisted by Lisa Goodrich. Jo Murry is music director. Luisa will be played by Angela Morgan, and Matt is Michael Bartholmey. Their “dads” are Paul Johnston and Harold Dean. Other cast: David Weatherly, Randall Earnest, Mason Newberry, Anthony McBride. The Fantasticks is the world’s longest-running musical with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students. Tickets may be purchased at www.theroyalplayers.com or at the door.AuditionsRoyal Players will hold auditions for Nobody’s Business, an original musical play focusing on a series of love stories told in the context of economic upheaval during the Delta Sharecropper Strikes of 1935-36. Music reflects the musical influences that ultimately resulted in rock and roll and modern country. Auditions will be at 7 p.m. on April 29 and 30 at St. Mathews Episcopal Church on Alcoa Road in Benton. Those auditioning will sing a song they have prepared (accompanist will be provided) and read from the script. Rehearsals begin first week of June. Performances: August 16-19, 23-26. For more information, contact Sam Taggart, director, at 501-773-7830 or sam@weallhearvoices.com.Royal Players will hold auditions for Singin’ in the Rain on May 14 and 15 at the Royal Theatre in Benton. Rehearsals start May 21. Play opens July 12. Those auditioning should have a song prepared. Bring tap shoes if you can dance. Two male leads and one female lead must tap dance. Director Bob May adds that there are two boys, 8-10 years old, who play Cosmo and Don as children and they must tap dance. Young girls or teen boys could be considered for those roles. And teens can play young adults in the ensemble. For more information, go to www.theroyalplayers.com or call 501-315-5483.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Benton Royal Players' productions and auditions
May in the Arkansas Delta
Celebrate The Natural State’s
heritage as Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin offers an Arkansas History
Fair on May 12. Demonstrations and programs are offered throughout the day, with
topics including Dutch oven cooking, pottery making, archery and atlatl
throwing. Contact the park at 870-755-2500 to learn
more.
Kids
of all ages are welcome at Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg for Kids and
Horses on May 12. Spend the day horseback riding and munching on fresh-popped
kettle corn. Park personnel will hand-lead rides for the youngsters in the
park’s playground area. Helmets are required and provided by staff. Admission is
$3. More information can be obtained by contacting the park at 870-578-2064.
Native
American legend says the sound of the drum reflects the heartbeat of Mother
Earth. It is also a belief that when people sing along with the drum, nature
joins in harmony and carries the spirit of the songs to the Creator. Explore
these legends and create a drum to take home when Hampson Archeological State
Park in Wilson offers The Mother’s Heartbeat on May 12. The workshop is suitable
for all ages. The $10 participant fee includes all materials. Contact the park
at 870-655-8622 to learn
more.
Cane
Creek State Park in Star City hosts the park’s first mountain bike race on May
12. The Cane Creek Timberland Mountain Bike Race wends through the wooded, hilly
trails of the park. Prizes awarded for race length and age divisions. Early
registration fee is $25. Contact the park at 870-628-4714 for details or to
register.
The
2nd annual Arkansas Delta Rockabilly Festival is slated for May 12 in historic
downtown Helena. This year’s lineup includes scheduled performances by Brandon
Cunning & the Stunning Cunning Band; C.W. Gatlin; Reba Russell; Stan Perkins
& D.J. Fontana; Charlie Rich, Jr.; Travis Wammack & J.M. Van Eaton with
the Sons of Billies Band; Ace Cannon; Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers;
Asleep at the Wheel; and the Kentucky Headhunters. Tickets are $20. Log on to www.DeltaRockabillyFest.com or call
870-995-1326 for more
information.
Helena
Second Saturdays brings local artisans, musicians, merchants, farmers and
visitors together the second weekend of each month in downtown Helena. The
event, held along historic Cherry Street, is a great opportunity for shopping,
eating and exploring. Many of the businesses along historic Cherry Street
participate and offer extended hours on Second Saturdays. You’ll find artists,
musicians and craftspeople located along the street, playing live music or
create a masterpiece in front of your eyes. Many of the participating businesses
serve refreshments as well. The next Second Saturday is scheduled for May 12.
Learn more by visiting www.HelenaSecondSaturdays.org or phoning
870-338-3300.
Downtown
Paragould is the setting for the 23rd annual Loose Caboose Festival on May
17-19. Live music, carnival rides, a bike ride, vendors, a fish fry, a large
children’s area and stage, an expanded arts and crafts area, a karaoke contest,
and petting zoos are all scheduled. To learn more, log on to www.LooseCaboose.net or phone
870-240-0544.
If
you’re a fan of crawfish, Dermott is the place to be as the town hosts the 29th
annual Crawfish Festival on May 18-19. The two-day festival also features live
music, the Arkansas Game and Fish aquarium, a dog show, children’s rides,
vendors, arts and crafts…. and crawfish! To find out more visit www.DermottCrawfishFestival.com or phone
870-538-5656.
Downtown
Tyronza serves as the backdrop for the 10th annual Stars and Stripes Festival on
May 18-19. The festival features live music and a pageant on Friday evening.
Saturday’s events include a parade, live music, games, and vendors and concludes
with an evening street dance. For more information, phone 870-487-2168.
The
14th annual Piggott Heritage Park Car Show, one of Arkansas’s largest, takes
place May 18-20 in Piggott. Check out hundreds of classic cars restored to their
glory. Other festivities include live entertainment, classic car parade, games,
and lots of food. Saturday night’s events include a 50s dance contest for kids
and live music. For more information, contact 870-598-3167.
The
2012 Tour de Hoot Bicycle Tour is slated for May 19 in McGehee. The bicycle
tour, which benefits the McGehee Boys and Girls Club, offers routes ranging from
25 to 100 miles throughout southeast Arkansas. The event is known for great rest
stops and delicious food. A pasta dinner is held the night before the race at
the Boys and Girls Club. Registration is $35. Log on to www.TourdeHoot.com or phone 870-222-8410 for all the
details.
Crowley’s
Ridge State Park in Paragould offers teachers an opportunity to get their
students into the great outdoors during Wild about Wildlife School Days on May
1, 2, 8 and 9. The program features fun and educational programs pertaining to
wildlife on Crowley’s Ridge. Registration is required. For more information,
contact the park at
870-573-6751.
Warfield
Concerts in Helena-West Helena hosts the annual Warfield Music Festival on May
1-6. Scheduled performances include Horizon: The Legends of Motown on May 3;
soprano Deleen Davidson on May 4; and the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on May 5,
and an outdoor concert by Funky Butt Brass on May 6. Tickets are free and
available at the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce or the Arkansas Welcome
Center in Helena-West Helena. Venues vary; check the website for details. To
learn more, visit www.WarfieldConcerts.com.
Wile
away a few hours or a few days enjoying live bluegrass, gospel and country music
during Village Creek State Park’s annual Pickin’ in the Park on May 3-5. Bring
your lawn chair and listen as professional and amateur musicians play their
favorite tunes. If you play an instrument, make sure and bring it along! The
event is held in Campground A. To learn more, contact Village Creek State Park
at
870-238-9406.
Professional
jazz guitarist Milt Jackson performs during the Arts and Science Center for
Southeast Arkansas’s “Live at Five” music series on May 4. Jackson, an associate
professor of music at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for 30 years, is
a well-known musician who plays with groups throughout the United States.
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Log on to www.ArtsScienceCenter.org or phone
870-536-3375 for more information.
Cane
Creek State Park offers three kayaking adventures this month. May 5 is the date
for the Full Moon Kayak Tour, which allows visitors to experience Cane Creek
bathed in moonlight. On May 12, enjoy a relaxing time paddling your kayak across
beautiful Cane Creek Lake with a park interpreter as your guide during the
park’s Afternoon Kayak Tour. If you’re looking to experience the lake in a
different way, try the park’s Sunset Kayak Tour offered on May 19. Tour
participants must not have kayaking experience but should be comfortable around
and in the water. A brief paddling lesson is given before the beginning of the
tour. Reservations are required and the $15 adult admission ($10 for ages 12 and
under) includes kayak rental, lifejacket, paddle and guide service. Check out www.ArkansasStateParks.com to learn more or
phone
870-628-4714.
Spend
a beautiful evening paddling and gazing at the stars when Lake Poinsett State
Park in Harrisburg offers a Kayak and Dinner Cruise on May 5. Kayak around
beautiful Lake Poinsett and then enjoy a scrumptious Dutch oven dinner on the
lakeshore, followed by a glow-in-the-dark astronomy adventure. The fee for the
program is $15. For details, contact Lake Poinsett State Park at
870-578-2064.
Transform
a piece of nature into a work of art as Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould
hosts the Gorgeous Gourds workshop on May 5. The class focuses on the basic
types of gourds, historic uses of gourds, and how to make fun and creative
projects including birdhouses, canteens, and dippers. The cost of the workshop
is $15. Visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone
870-573-6751 for
details.
Marion
hosts the annual Esperanza Bonanza Festival on May 9-12. The festival features a
barbecue cooking contest, carnival, rodeo, a golf tournament, live music and
games for children and adults. For more information, phone
870-739-6041.
Join
Main Street West Memphis on May 10 for Blues on Broadway in West Memphis. The
free lunchtime concert, held at Regions Bank Plaza, celebrates National Tourism
Week and Arkansas Heritage Month. Contact Main Street West Memphis at
870-735-8814 for details.
Watch
history unfold before your eyes during the Living History Fair School Days at
Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin on May 10-12. Conquistadors, French
fur trappers, and sawmill workers demonstrate their daily lives, allowing
students a rare, in-depth look into their world. Spots fill quickly so
reservations are encouraged. Contact the park at 870-755-2500 for questions or
to make
reservations.
May
11 is the date for the dedication of a replica of Fort Curtis in Helena-West
Helena. The reproduction of the Union Civil War fort is located at the corner of
York and Columbia streets in historic downtown Helena. The May 11 dedication of
the fort begins Helena’s Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration of a
multi-faceted heritage that includes Federal occupation, seven Confederate
generals, and an encampment of thousands of freed slaves. The dedication begins
at noon. Log on to www.CivilWarHelena.com or phone
870-816-1152 for more
information.
Pull
out the lederhosen and head to Stuttgart for the 5th annual German Heritage
Festival on May 12! The event is held on the grounds of the Museum of the
Arkansas Grand Prairie. German beer and wine, bratwurst, Germanic desserts and
potato salad are on the menu, along with live polka music, grape stomping, log
and stone throwing contests, a variety of children’s activities and a 5K run.
Log on to www.GrandPrairieMuseum.org or phone
870-672-1425 for more information. Head to Blytheville on May 12 as the
community hosts Mayfest. The historic downtown is the setting for the arts and
crafts festival, featuring live music, a dog show, activities for kids and a
variety of food vendors. Learn more by logging on to www.MainStreetBlytheville.com or phoning 870-763-2525.
The Delta Cultural Center in
Helena-West Helena hosts the 12th annual Arkansas Delta Family Gospel Festival
on Saturday, May 19. This year’s festival features performances by national,
regional and local groups, including the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Point of
Grace, the Soul Stirrers, and many others. The event takes place on the Cherry
Street Pavilion in historic downtown Helena beginning at 11 a.m. The event is
free. For more information, contact the Delta Cultural Center at 800-358-0972 or
visit their website at www.deltaculturalcenter.com.
Augusta hosts the 15th annual
Augusta Days on May 24-27. The festival features a carnival, arts and crafts, a
5K run, a car show, a mini-tractor pull, fireworks, a variety of food vendors,
and live entertainment. To learn more, phone 870-347-6457.
Enjoy
the Memorial Day holiday weekend at Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould! The
park hosts Fishing on the Ridge Kids’ Derby on May 26. Kids 15 years and under
are invited to compete for a variety of prizes. That afternoon, it’s Memorial
Day Madness! Bring the family and enjoy recreational activities, interpretive
programs, swimming, and cruising in pedal boats while listening to music on the
beach. Visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone 870-573-6751 for
details.
Celebrate
the rich and diverse heritage of Gillett during Heritage Days 2012 on May 26.
The all-day event, held in the city park, features activities for the entire
family, including a 5K, games and tournaments, live entertainment, vendor
booths, a barbecue contest and a street dance. Civil War reenactors and staff
from Arkansas Post Museum State Park will offer a variety of pioneer activities
for the kids. To learn more, phone
870-548-2634.
Enjoy
an evening of gospel music as Cane Creek State Park in Star City hosts Music in
the Park on May 26. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and watch the sunset
while enjoying great live music. Pack up the entire family and head to the park
for Dutch Oven Dessert and Game Night on May 27. Play a variety of games while
waiting for the Dutch oven dessert to cook! Log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or phone the park at 870-628-4714.
May in the Arkansas Ozarks
Eureka
Springs celebrates the creative side of its culture during the entire month of
May with the 25th annual May Festival of the Arts. The city highlights art in
all of its forms and features dozens of exhibits, artist’s receptions and
demonstrations, gallery strolls, free concerts and the annual White Street
Studio Walk. A popular event during the month-long festival is the Eureka
Springs ARTrageous Parade. It takes place at 2 p.m. on May 5, starting at the
Carnegie Library and ending at the courthouse. For details, visit www.eurekasprings.org or call 479-253-9318.
First
Thursday on the Downtown Square in Fayetteville is set for May 3. The event
celebrates original works of art and includes an outdoor art walk, live music,
and a charity beer garden. Participating galleries and art-related venues offer
free access to visual and performing art starting at 5 p.m. Visit www.firstthursdayfayetteville.com or call 479-521-5776 for
more
information.
Withrow
Springs State Park in Huntsville hosts Sunset on the War Eagle on May 4. Meet
Park Interpreter Natalie for a memorable hike to the overlook to watch the sun
set over the beautiful War Eagle River Valley. This is a very short but steep
hike. There is no charge for the participants. The War Eagle Trailhead is
located near the Crossbow Pavilion. This is one of many programs offered by the
park. For more information, call
479-559-2593.
Centerton's
first Spring Festival is set for May 4-5. Festivities include crafters, and
vendors of independent and local businesses. The free festival is held at City
Hall Park, located at 290 Main St. City officials plan to host the event
annually. Center is four miles west of Bentonville on Ark. 102. Visit www.centertonar.us or call 479-795-2750 for
details.
Bentonville’s
First Friday Art and Nature Festival takes place May 4-5 on the town square. The
weekend includes the Bentonville Farmers Market and musical events that will
take place at Compton Gardens and along the Crystal Bridges Trail. The festival
is produced in partnership with the Walton Arts Center’s regional Artosphere
festival. For more information, visit www.downtownbentonville.org or call 479-254-0254.
The
4th annual Art on the Creek in Bella Vista takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
May 4-5. It’s a juried arts and crafts festival featuring local and national
artisans who display and sell their work along McKissic Creek as well as on the
grounds of and inside The Studio and Wishing Spring Gallery. The event also
includes art and craft demonstrations, "you be the judge" art contest, and food.
Admission is free. Visit www.bellavistafestival.org or call 479-855-2064 for
details.
Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork
offers a Birder Weekend each spring. This year’s opportunity to learn about
feathered friends is May 4-6. The weekend's activities will include guided bird
hikes, live bird of prey demonstrations, guest speakers, and crafts for the
kids. Spring is also the perfect time to mark a tropical migrant off of your
life list. Contact the park at 479-761-3325 for a detailed program schedule as
the free event nears.
Ozark
Birders' Springtime Retreat is May 4-6 at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in
Bull Shoals. The retreat offers activities for everyone from beginner to
advanced birders. There will be guided walks, evening programs, lake and river
cruises and children’s program. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for a detailed
schedule. Admission is free, except for the lake and river
cruises.
The
War Eagle Mill Spring Craft Fair is a tradition in northwest Arkansas. This
year’s fair is May 4-6. The fair is held along the beautiful War Eagle River
where the mill and the adjacent Sharp Show feature over 200 of the best original
craft and food vendors in the region. Visit www.wareaglemill.com or call 479-789-5343 for
details.
RunEureka,
set for May 5, is a scavenger hunt event for the whole family. It takes place in
Eureka Springs during the May Festival of the Arts and benefits Clear Spring
School. Runners and walkers explore the town whiel solving clues and completing
challenges from point to point to win prizes. Teams are encouraged to wear
costumes and be prepared for zany fun. The race starts at the parking lot for
Ermilio’s restaurant, located at 26 White St. This cost is $20 in advance and
$25 the day of the race. Visit www.runeureka.com or call 479-253-7888 for
details.
The
inaugural Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic takes place May 5 in
Fayetteville. Professional and amateur teams from across the region test their
cheese dip recipes and compete for the coveted Big Dipper title at the Northwest
Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic. The professional division champion wins a trip to
compete in the 2012 World Cheese Dip Championship in Little Rock. The event
includes live music, local food vendors and children's activities, and sampling
and voting on your favorite cheese dip. The event benefits the Single Parent
Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas. Admission is $10 for adults and free for
children 10 and younger. Visit www.cheesedip.net or call 501-993-7502 for
details.
The ever-popular 11th annual Greater
Cotter Trout Festival is a great family event taking place May 4-5 at
picturesque Big Spring Park. Barbecue is served up Friday night and Fish Fry
dinners on Saturday. Festivities include a parade Saturday morning, artisan and
vendor booths, and live music. Kids' event include a fishing hole and craft
projects. Visit www.cotterarkansas.com or call 870-321-1243 for more
information.
Ozark Folk Center State Park’s
Heritage Herb Spring Extravaganza is May 5 in Mountain View. The event is filled
with herb information, activities in the Heritage Herb Garden, old-time folk
music, a plant sale, and the Committee of 100’s Country Tea. Admission is the
entrance fee to the park’s craft village, which is $10 for adults and $6 for
children ages 6-12. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for a detailed
schedule.
Head
to Mountain Home on May 5-6 for the North Arkansas Wood Carvers 33rd annual
Woodcarving Show and Sale. As one of the largest shows in the area, the NAWC
Woodcarving Show features whittlers, woodcarvers, wood turners, vendors, judged
competitions, demonstrations, and a carving contest. Participants are from all
levels - novice to professional. Admission is free and the event is held at the
Baxter County Fairgrounds. Visit www.northarkansaswoodcarvers.org or call 870-431-8070 for more
information.
RAIN,
the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert, returns by popular demand to the
Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville on May 7. RAIN performs the full range of The
Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging
songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for
an audience. Tickets range from $38 to $54 depending on seats. Purchase tickets
online at www.waltonartscenter.org or call
479-443-5600.
Cutting Edge Week on May 8-12 at
Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View is a celebration of knives and
their makers. The week is comprised of knifemaking classes, a knife show, and
the National Finals BladeSports Cutting Competition. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for
details.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks'
signature event, Greening of the Garden, takes place May 10 in Fayetteville.
Held on the Great Lawn under tents, the event offers food, bar, music, silent
and live auctions and the beauty of the Garden on a spring evening. The cost is
$50 for adults. For more information, visit www.bgozarks.org or call 479-750-2620.
Culinary Classes by Karen are
offered May 11-12 in Eureka Spring in the Provençal-style home of Patrice &
Karen Gros. Karen emphasizes seasonal menus featuring fresh, local, top-quality
ingredients. Learn to prepare healthy market-fresh food and classic French
recipes. Two types of classes are offered each month (same menu per month):
Demonstration Classes and Hands-on Classes. The class size is up to 20 with a
fee $30 per person. For more information, visit www.cuisinekaren.com or call 479-253-7461.
The 30th annual Kingston Fair on the
Square is May 11-12. Festivities include crafts, parade, clown to entertain
kids, live music, door prizes, food vendors and raffles. Admission is free. Call
870-420-3731 for more information.
Ozark Folk Center State Park in
Mountain View offers Thumb Picking Weekend May 11-12. Thumb picking is a unique
style of playing the guitar, popularized by the late Merle Travis. Come to the
evening shows this week to see some masters of this style. If you fancy yourself
a player, enter the Saturday contest. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for more
information.
It’s
fender bending devastation – metal crushing destruction – daredevil motorized
mayhem on May 12 in Springdale at the Ozark Demolition Derby -- Spring
Challenge. This has become one of the most popular events in Northwest Arkansas
and attracts thousands of cheering fans and team supporters. Drivers face off in
heated competition – competing for prizes and bragging rights. The demolition
derby is held at Parsons Stadium, located at 1423 E. Emma. Visit www.rodeooftheozarks.com or call 479-756-0464 for
details.
The 2012 Bradford Marine Buddy Bass
Tournament is set for May 12 in Rogers. The annual Beaver Lake Buddy Bass
Tournament is based from Prairie Creek Park and is a fundraiser for community
development. The tournament weigh-in is a crowd-pleaser. Visit www.rogerslowell.com or call 479-636-1240 for more
information.
Horseshoe
Bend’s 26th annual Dogwood Days takes place May 12. The spring event includes a
golf tournament, potato shoot, street dance, food vendors, arts and crafts,
music, kids’ games, and a pet pageant. It is held at Lower Diamond B Mall and
admission is free. For more information, visit www.horseshoebendarcc.com or call 870-670-5433.
Take your mom for a cruise on
beautiful Lake Charles on a part boat when Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan
offers a Mother’s Day Lake Cruise on May 12. A park interpreter joins the cruise
to point out the natural features and native wildlife found along the lake. The
cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for kids.
Call 870-878-6595 to learn
more.Explore the history of herbs in cooking, medicines and everyday life when Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers the Herb Garden Workshop on May 12. In the past, herbs were carried from continent to continent, but today we take them for granted. Participants take home information about herbs, a live potted herb plant, an herb butter sample, an herb vinegar or oil, and a fragrant sachet bag for your closet. Contact the park at 870-878-6765 for information.
John Two-Hawks Mother's Day Concert at The Auditorium is set for 2 p.m. on May 13 in Eureka Springs. Moms get in free to this concert which features selections from John-Two Hawks’ music from the last 10 years. The show, meant to honor mothers, is always a moving experience. Visit www.johntwohawks.com or call 479-253-5826 for more information.
Catch an evening viewing of “Bridge to War Eagle” on May 13 at the Crossbow Pavilion of Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville. War Eagle Creek is part of Ozark heritage. Spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, and recreational opportunities abound on this classic Ozark stream. “Bridge to War Eagle,” a short documentary by award-winning journalists Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter, chronicles the history, ecology, and enduring legacy of War Eagle Creek. Admission is free. Call 479-559-2593 for details.
Arkansas Territorial School Days takes place May 16-18 in Pocahontas. Territorial Arkansas was not for the faint of heart. Bring your students to Davidsonville Historic State Park for this special school event to learn what brought early frontiersman to Arkansas. Living history characters, games, and other programs are sure to make this an Arkansas history lesson your students will not soon forget. Space is limited; register early. Admission is
free. Call
870-892-4708 for
details.
Eureka
Springs’ 22nd annual White Street Walk on May 18 is part of the city’s May
Festival of the Arts, a month-long celebration. Historic White Street is the
working address of several local artists who will welcome the public into homes
and studios to view their latest works. They are joined by more than forty guest
artists from the Eureka Springs area, who will show weaving, watercolors,
jewelry, oils, pottery, stained glass and more. The event takes place from 4
p.m. until 10 p.m. and is free. Visit www.eurekasprings.org or call 479-253-9318 for
details.
Head
to Harrison on May 18-19 for the 22nd annual Crawdad Days Music Festival.
Festivities include concerts, carnival fun, and craft vendors. Along with tasty
crawfish, there are food vendors to fit every taste bud. Admission is free and
the event is held in the downtown area. For more information on this
family-friendly event, visit www.harrison-chamber.com or call
870-741-2659.
Mountain
Home offers The Art Odyssey on May 18-20. The Art Odyssey offers an opportunity
to visit the studios and view the work of juried Arkansas Ozark artists living
and working in the Mountain Home area. Artists include painters, sculptors,
beaders, photographers, fiber artists, potters, basket artists, mosaic artists,
and mixed media artists. The Art Odyssey artists and directions to their studios
can found online at www.theartodyssey.com. Admission is free. Call 870-580-0987
for more
information.
Enjoy
a Spring Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 19 in Eureka Springs. On the
tour are several bed and breakfast inns, church gardens, and the historic loop
area springs. The event also includes light refreshments, speakers and
demonstrations. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from Eureka Springs Garden
Club member, the Chamber of Commerce or the Historical Museum. For more
information, call
479-253-7078.
The
8th annual Syllamo's Revenge Mountain Bike Challenge is May 19 near Mountain
View. The biking challenge is comprised of 40-plus miles of mountain biking
through the Ozarks. It offers changing scenery and beautiful views of the White
River Valley, Sylamore Creek Valley and the Ozark Mountains. For details, visit
www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/syllamo_bike.html or call
870-269-8068.
Freshwater
pearls and the pearling industry are a part of Arkansas’s heritage. Learn to
make beautiful jewelry from the stunning orbs as Powhatan Historic State Park in
Powhatan offers a Pearl Stringing Workshop: Necklaces on May 19. Participants
learn how to make the stunning jewelry and learn about the history of the
freshwater pearling industry on the Black River. For more information or to
register for the class, contact the park at 870-878-6765.
Memorial
Day weekend is a great time for cookouts and camping. It’s also a great time to
enjoy various programs, like owl prowls, star gazing, black powder
demonstrations, and historic town site tours at Davidsonville Historic State
Park in Pocahontas. Activities are scheduled on May 25-28. Contact the park at
870-892-4708 for a complete program schedule.
Save the date of May 26 for the 26th
annual Hillbilly Daze in Witts Springs. The event includes a kiddie parade at 10
a.m. as well as a main parade with cars, ATVs, animals, floats, and bike groups
at 11 a.m. The afternoon is filled with horseshoe games, turtle races, music, a
silent auction, and a stickhorse rodeo. The fire department's famous fish fry is
at 5:30 p.m. Call 870-496-2239 for more information.
In honor of Memorial Day, the
staff of Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan are firing an authentic Civil War
cannon during the Artillery Demonstration on May 27. Memorial Day was created to
honor those who died during the Civil War. The program includes a history of
Civil War artillery. The event is free. Contact the park at 870-878-6595 for
details.
Hear Wicked voices at ASO
The Arkansas Symphony
Orchestra presents Wicked Divas, the fifth concert of the ACXIOM Pops Live!
Series, on May 12 at 8 p.m.
and May 13 at 3 p.m. at the Robinson Center Music
Hall
Associate
Conductor, Geoffrey Robson, Broadway vocalists Emily Rozek and Eden Espinosa,
and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform selections from My Fair Lady, Ragtime, Chicago Los Angeles Los Angeles San Francisco
Kids kindergarten through 12th
grade can attend our Sunday matinee performances for free (with the purchase of
an adult ticket) using the Entergy Kids Ticket – available for download at www.ArkansasSymphony.org. Adult single tickets range from $20-$65 and can be
purchased online at www.ArkansasSymphony.org or over the phone at (501)
666-1761. Student and military tickets are $10.
Program
Details
WICKED DIVAS
Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 13 at 3 p.m.
Featuring
Emily Rozek, vocalist
Eden Espinosa, vocalist
Geoffrey Robson, conductor
Program:
JULE STYNE Overture to
Gypsy arr. Robert Russell
Bennett
GEORGES BIZET Selections from Carmen
Prelude to Act I, from Suite No. 1
Aragonaise, from Suite No. 1
Habanera, from Suite No. 2
Les Toreadors, from Suite No. 1
JOHN KANDER Introduction and “All
That Jazz” from Chicago
Orch. Paul McKibbins (Emily Rozek & Eden
FREDERICK LOEWE (Emily Rozek)
STEPHEN FLAHERTY “Back to Before”
from Ragtime (Eden
STEPHEN FLAHERTY “Ragtime” from Ragtime arr. Steven Reineke
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER “Think Of Me” from Phantom of the Opera
Arr. D. Cullen (Emily
Rozek)
JOHN KANDER & FRED EBB Ring Them Bells
Arr. Paul McKibbins (Eden
Espinosa)
ENRIQUE GARCIA Conga Steven Reineke
INTERMISSION
VARIOUS I Hear a
Symphony:
Arr. Steven Reineke Symphonic Sounds of Diana Ross
PAUL JABARA & No More Tears (Enough
is Enough)
BRUCE ROBERTS (Eden
Arr. Fred Barton
JAMES HORNER & “My Heart Will Go On”
from Titanic
WILL JENNINGS
Arr. Steven Reineke
DU PRUZ/ERIC IDLE “Diva’s Lament” from Spamalot
Arr. T. Firth (Eden
HAROLD ARLEN & “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz
YIP HARBURG Arr. Skitch
Henderson/Dick Lieb
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ “Popular” from Wicked
Arr. William David Brohn (Emily
Rozek)
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ “Defying Gravity”
from Wicked
Arr. Randall Craig
Fleischer (Eden
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ “For Good” from Wicked
Orch. Torrie Ziyo (Emily Rozek and Eden
Emily Rozek, vocalist
She has spent the past 4 years in
She currently resides in sunny
Eden Espinosa, vocalist
Other musical theater accomplishments include originating the title character in “Brooklyn the Musical” from the original workshop through its Broadway run, starring as Flora in the Reprise Theater Company’s production of “Flora the Red Menace,” and playing Maureen in the closing company of “Rent,” the final performance of which was filmed live for Sony, and is available on
Eden is also well recognized from her many television appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The 2008 Tony Awards, The 2008 Alma Awards performing with Bebe Winans, Law and Order, and Ugly Betty. Her voiceover credits include several episodes of Robot Chicken,
Known for her powerful and emotionally charged vocal style, she was the featured soloist in “Magical,” the fireworks spectacular at the Disneyland Resort and can be heard on such recordings as “Hair” (BCEFA benefit recording), “The Maury Yeston Songbook,” “Bright Lights, Big City,” “John McDaniel Live at Joe’s Pub,” and Scott Alan’s “Dreaming Wide Awake.”
Recently she has been seen performing with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and as a featured soloist with the Shanghai Orchestra for the opening of the new
Geoffrey Robson, Associate Conductor
Geoffrey Robson has been the
Associate Conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra since 2008. He also
performs as a violinist, frequently appearing in the Arkansas Symphony
Orchestra’s popular River Rhapsodies
chamber series as well as performing with Trio Arkansas ASO subscription series concerts, as well as children’s concerts and
special events. As conductor, he has worked with guest artists such as the
Beach Boys, Lawrence Hamilton, Timothy Jones, Henrietta Davis, Christiane Noll,
Doug LaBrecque, and Calvin Lee. In addition, Robson writes and produces At the Symphony, a concert preview radio
series on KLRE Classical 90.5 in Little Rock , Arkansas
Robson completed his M.M. at Yale University Connecticut New Haven , CT
Robson studied orchestral
conducting at the Mannes College of Music in New York City London Zlin , Czech Republic Chelsea Manhattan
Robson graduated from the
honors college at Michigan State University
The
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 46th season in 2011-2012
under the leadership of Music Director Philip Mann. ASO is the resident
orchestra of Robinson Center Music Hall Arkansas
May in the Arkansas timberlands
The 42nd annual Hamburg Armadillo Festival is May 3-5 in Hamburg. The festival
features armadillo races, arts and crafts, carnival rides, the Southeast
Arkansas Antique Tractor and Engine show, and more. For more information visit
www.hamburgark.com or call 870-853-8345.
Join
park staff for a weekend of outdoor skills instruction May 4-6 during Women's
Outdoor Weekend at Millwood State Park in Ashdown. Classes offered include tent
camping, kayaking and canoeing, dutch oven cooking, backing up a trailer, and
beginning birdwatching. A $125 registration fee includes use of tent and
campsite, use of all equipment, instruction in all classes and all meals. For
more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call
870- 898-2800.
The
20th annual South Arkansas Mayhaw Festival is May 4-5 in El Dorado. The event is
an all day celebration of music, food, and southern culture. The event includes
mayhaw jelly sales, a 5K walk/run, crafts, an antique car show, and more. Mayhaw
is the name given to the fruit ( which ripens in late April through May) of
hawthorn trees. It is considered a celebrated delicacy of Southern cuisine. For
more information visit www.soarkhistory.com or call
870-862-9890.
Collinfest
is May 5 in De Queen at the Cossatot Amphitheater. The town is the hometown of
country music star Collin Raye. The singer returns home for his 14th benefit
concert. Admission is $10-$20 and proceeds fund college scholarships for local
students. For more information visit www.collinfest.com or
call
870-642-2446.
The
annual Peach Blossom Festival is May 5 in Nashville on Main Street. The town has
a celebrated connection to the fruit and was once a major center for peach trade
in the state. The festival has entertainment, vendor booths, a car show and
more. For more information visit www.nashvillear.com or
call
870-845-1262.
The
16th annual Whistlestop Festival is May 11-12 in Ashdown. Activities include a
catfish cook-off, a large antique car show, a tractor display, 5K/10K races,
train memorabilia, a turtle race and more. For more details visit www.littlerivercounty.org or call
870-898-2642.
Main
Street El Dorado presents the annual Bugs, Bands & Bikes festival each
summer in Oil Heritage Park in El Dorado. This year's event is May 11-12.
During the event, thousands of motorcycles rev into Union Square for a day
filled with live music, crawfish and more. Other events include a poker run, a
motorcycle parade, vendors, arm wrestling and the region's largest bike show.
Special for this year is a the Swamp People VIP Experience on May 12 inside the
Rialto Theatre. The event is a chance to meet with RJ and Jay Paul Molinere from
the History Channel's TV show Swamp People. A limited number of tickets
( they cost $10) for this are available. For more information visit www.mainstreeteldorado.org/ or call 870-862-4747.
The 24th annual
Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cook-Off is May 18-19 in
Magnolia.
The event includes a
sidewalk art show, crafts, a car and motorcycle show, a fishing tournament, and
more. Over 5,000 steaks are cooked by teams vying to win the coveted Governor's
Cup and title as the World Championship Steak Cooker. For more details check out
www.blossomfestival.org or call
870-234-4352.
Washington
hosts Armed Forces Day May 19 in Washington at Historic Washington State Park.
This day is set aside to remember the many ways in which armed forces personnel
have impacted our country since its founding. The event features exhibits and
first person living history attractions related to the Revolutionary War, War of
1812, The Mexican War, Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American War, World Wars
I and II, and an appearance by current armed forces representatives.Special
programs and activities open at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. Park tours are
available at regular prices from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free for special
exhibits. Tours cost $8 for adults and $4 for kids 6-12 years old. Visit www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com or call 870-983-2684 for
more details.
Join
a park interpreter on a guided trail hike to learn select plant names, common
and scientific, and their medicinal uses by our ancestors May 19 in McNeil
during Medicinal Plants of Logoly State Park. Participants receive handouts and
a medicinal plant book. Admission is $25. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call
870-695-3561.
The
South Arkansas Symphony presents the First Financial Bank--Symphony on the
Square May 26 in El Dorado at the Union County Courthouse. The free concert is
one of the most popular performances of the year for the symphony. For more
details go to www.southarkansassymphony.org or call
870-862-0521.
The
21st annual Dinosaur Festival is May 26 in Nashville at Nashville City Park. The
festival is a celebration of the town's ties to dinosaurs: one of the largest
dinosaur trackways in the world was discovered a few miles from town. The
festival features a Dino Dig, a softball and baseball tournament, and more.
Visit www.nashar.org or call 870-845-7405 for more
information.
Stormwater certification class
A certification class will be held by the City of Hot Springs
Stormwater Division from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 29 at the
Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace. The course fee is $100,
and the registration deadline is June 25. Visit cityhs.net for more information, or
call 321-6778.
May events in the Arkansas River Valley
Head to Altus on May 4-5 for the 34th annual Altus Springtime Gala. Held in the
City Park, festivities include arts and crafts, food, a 5K run, talent show, and
live entertainment. For more information, call
470-209-5308.
Enjoy
the Airing of the Quilts on May 5 in Greenwood. New quilts will be displayed at
the Old Rock Gymnasium and Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church will 75-to
100-year-old quilts will be on display at the Old Jail Museum. Admission is $5.
Call 479-996-2962 for more information.
Dance the
night away at the 10th annual "A Night in the Caribbean" set for May 5 in Fort
Smith. great food, including Bahaman-basted roast pork by Chef Mickey Sellard
and a cascading chocolate fountain with a variety of fruit and other goodies for
dipping. A variety of items will be auctioned and you can dance to the music of
Grupo Salsabor from Tulsa, Okla. An open bar will be available throughout the
night. Special corporate tables are available for businesses or groups of eight,
with special party favors. Call the Kistler Center at 479-785-4677 for more
information and reservations. The cost is $60 per person.
Kids ages 10-13 are
invited to have an Aquatic Conservation Experience, also known as ACE Camp, on
May 11-12 at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. This is a two-day,
one-night camp is for kids interested in water resources and all the
opportunities they have to offer. Participants will learn about the lake and its
inhabitants through supervised, fun-filled activities such as kayaking and more.
The fee of $65 includes meals, activities, and a T-shirt. Advance registration
is required by calling 479-967-5516.
Van Buren’s Old
Timer's Days on May 11-13 is an arts and crafts festival held annually on
Historic Main Street. Six blocks will be closed off to provide space for more
than 200 exhibitors from more than seven states. A variety of food and
entertainment and a children’s carnival will be available. The event is held
rain or shine and features a Friday night concert. Saturday and Sunday will have
arts and crafts plus entertainment. For general information call Barbara at
479-410-1024. For vendor information call Patty at 479-410-3026.
Join
the Central Arkansas Mountain Pilots (C.A.M.P.) to watch and learn as they hang
glide throughout the weekend of May 12-13 during the 13th annual Spring Fling
Hang Glider Fly-In at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle. Talk to the pilots in
the morning as they set up, then watch in the afternoon as they soar through the
air. Due to the sport's high dependence on weather and wind, no times are
announced for the flying. However, weather and wind permitting, the pilots will
fly Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Admission is free. Call 479-229-3655 for
details.
Co-sponsored by the
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Historic Preservation Alliance of
Arkansas, the 2012 Arkansas Preservation Conference takes place May 16-18 in
Fort Smith. Conference topics range from statewide preservation issues and
Arkansas's architectural history to historic neighborhood and commercial
district revitalization. Visit www.preservearkansas.org or
call 501-372-4757 for more information.
Featuring
the famous “Fried Dill Pickles,” the 21st annual Picklefest in Atkins is May
18-19. It is comprised of pickle juice drinking and pickle eating contests, arts
and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, rodeo, parade, and beauty pageants
for boys and girls. Admission is free. Call 479-970-5801 for more
information.
Head
to Mount Magazine State Park near Paris on May 18-20 for a weekend packed with
programs and activities geared toward women. The Women in the Wild program
features gear demonstrations, talks, activities and classes designed to give
women a chance to explore outdoor options. Admission is free. Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com or call 479-963-8502 for
details or to
register.
The annual event,
Mustangs on the Mountain, takes place May 27 at The Museum of Automobiles on
Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. Mustangs from 1964 to present are displayed
on the parking lot of the museum. All year models welcome. Door prizes awarded.
Visit www.museumofautos.com or call 501-727-5427 for more
information.
Streets closed today in Hot Springs
The following streets will be closed today, Thursday, April 26 for manhole
construction and repairs:
× One lane of Linden Street, from 201
Linden to Whittington Avenue
× One lane of Pine Street, between
Union and Cedar Street
× St. George Street, from Elk Street
to Whittington Avenue
Signs will be posted, and motorists
are advised to use caution when traveling near the project area.
More cautions about unused prescription drubs
Most people give little thought to leftover prescription drugs in their medicine
cabinets. But out-of-date prescriptions pose a danger to consumers if they’re
taken accidentally or fall
into the hands of children or people who abuse them.
into the hands of children or people who abuse them.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy issued a
report in 2007 showing Arkansas has the worst teen prescription pain reliever
abuse problem in the United States. By the time Arkansas students
have
reached their senior year of high school, 20 percent have abused prescription drugs.
reached their senior year of high school, 20 percent have abused prescription drugs.
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued a consumer alert today urging Arkansans to do an inventory of prescription drugs in their homes.
“We all need to take the time to get rid of our unused
medicine,” McDaniel said. “We must, however, dispose of these potentially
harmful substances properly. We can’t simply toss them in with other household
garbage or flush pills down the toilet because of the harmful effect they’ll
have on our waterways.”
Instead, to safely dispose of prescription drugs, deliver them to law authorities at permanent disposal sites or at special events such as the April 28th Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which is offering disposal sites in communities across the state. A complete list of collection sites for the 2012 Take-Back Day as well as permanent, year-round collection sites is available at www.artakeback.org.
You may also call your local sheriff's office or police department for assistance with disposal if you’re are unable to deliver the drugs to a collection site.
Here are a few more prescription drug tips from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division:
Purchasing prescription drugs online:
Before you purchase medications from an online pharmacy, you should confirm that the pharmacy is licensed to do business in Arkansas. You can contact the State Board of Pharmacy at (501) 682-0190 if you have any questions about the licensing.
Buying Generic prescription drugs:
Always ask the pharmacy if the prescription that you need to fill comes in a
generic form. Most of the prescription drugs do and the cost can be
significantly lower.
Prescription Assistance Programs:
There are programs in the State of Arkansas that offer assistance in registering
for low cost or no cost prescription programs. Here are just a few:
For more information about consumer-related issues, or
to file complaint, visit GotYourBackArkansas.org or call the Consumer Protection
Division’s
hotline at (800) 482-8982.
hotline at (800) 482-8982.
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