arts season preview

The Jonesboro 2010-2011 arts season is gearing up to be a spectacular one. From large musical and theatrical productions at ASU’s Fowler Center to shows at elegant local art venues like the Sara Howell Studio and Gallery, this year’s art events calendar represents a wealth of culture for Northeast Arkansas residents to enjoy. Upcoming events listed by venue include:

ASU Convocation Center
217 Olympic Drive, (870) 972-ASU1
The ASU Convocation Center offers exciting entertainment throughout the year. For additional upcoming shows and events, visit them online at www.convo.astate.edu.

THE GAITHER HOMECOMING TOUR 2010 , Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., Live music featuring the Gaither Vocal Band, Karen Peck & New River, Mark Lowry, Charlotte Ritchie, David Phelps, Michael English, Gordon Mote, Gene McDonald, Kevin Williams and The Martins.

LADY ANTEBELLUM, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m., In celebration of ASU’s 100th anniversary, The Convo welcomes the reigning Academy of Country Music Top Vocal Group of the Year and the CMA Vocal Group of the Year has enjoyed back-to-back chart topping singles since the trio’s debut of “I Run to You” until “Need You Now.” Lady Antebellum has cracked the top 10 of Billboard magazine’s all-genre Hot 100 and even went No. 1 on iTunes all-genre singles chart.

CASTING CROWNS, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Grammy winning, multi-platinum Christian group will perform live.

THE NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MUSIC FEST 2010, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Ideal Black Gold of Pasadena, Calif., this is in association with Know Some People (KSP) Entertainment. Headlining this event will be multiplatinum recording artist, Juvenile, performing his hit single “Drop That Thang,” along with Travis Porter, Arkansas hip-hop phenomenon Lottury, and rising R&B sensation Chris Echols. This event will serve as one of the first public appearances for the newly crowned Ms. NEA, as well as a guest appearance by 2010 Ms. Teen NEA, Asleigh Rogers, who will be showcasing her talents.

ASU Fowler Center
201 Olympic Drive, (870) 972-3471
For a complete description of these shows, see the Fowler Center insert in the September 2010 issue of Jonesboro Occasions.

BARRAGE “ANIMADO”, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Since its creation in Calgary, Canada in 1996, Barrage has entertained millions of people around the globe.

FOREVER PLAID, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., After a fatal collision with a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles’ American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, this classic 1950s all-male singing group returns from the Great Beyond for one final chance at musical glory.

THE HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO “Cool Yule”, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Fire up your holidays with Hot Club’s” Cool Yule,” a swinging gypsy wagon trip to the North Pole featuring many of your favorite gems.

ALISON BROWN with special guest Joe Craven, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Grammy winner Alison Brown takes the banjo and guitar far beyond their Appalachian roots, offering up an astonishingly original instrumental sound with a high-octane blend of blue-grass, jazz, Celtic and Latin influences that has been described as simply jaw-dropping.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA KREMLIN, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m., Comprised of some of Russia’s finest young string players, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin has earned national and international recognition as one of Russia’s leading ensembles and has carved a niche for itself under the creative baton of its founder and music director Misha Rachlevsky.

CRAICMORE, March 17 at 7:30 p.m., Formed in 1992, and featuring acclaimed contralto Nancy Johnston, Craicmore draws their words and music from the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland and claim influences as diverse as the Afro Celts, Chieftains and Pogues, Rock and Australian indigenous music.

NEIL BERG’S 101 YEARS OF BROADWAY, April 4 at 7:30 p.m., Following the fantastic audience response to 100 Years of Broadway, creator Neil Berg returns to the Fowler Center with an all-new show.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS, Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m., Closing out the Fowler Center season are the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Representing the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago, the Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

ASU Department of Theatre
*Admission to each production is $10 at the door and $8 in advance.

WONDER OF THE WORLD, A comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire, Directed by Tim Bohn, Oct. 6, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. Nothing will prepare you for the dirty little secret Cass discovers in her husband’s sweater drawer. It is so shocking that our heroine has no choice but to flee to the honeymoon capital of the world in a frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on. It’s a wild ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel of laughs as Cass embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

NICE PEOPLE DANCING TO GOOD COUNTRY MUSIC, A comedy by Lee Blessing, directed by Bob Simpson, Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., A sharply drawn and very funny play about the personal heartaches and public eccentricities of two women living over a good-ole-boy bar in Houston, Texas. Eve Wilfong, who lives over the “Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music Bar” is paid a visit by her niece Catherine Empanger, a novice nun who’s been asked to leave her convent. It seems Catherine suffers from a curious compulsion to yell obscenities at the wrong moment and even bark like a dog.

THE BUTLER DID IT, A comedy thriller by Walter Marks and Peter Marks, directed by Molly Simpson, Feb. 25, 26 and 28, March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., A deft and diabolically clever thriller mingles laughter and chills as it skillfully unwinds its twisted tale of murder and mayhem in the glittering world of the theatre. The scene is set where Anthony J. Lefcourt, writer and director, is rehearsing his new play, a “classic whodunit” (in which all the characters are named Butler) with which he hopes to regain the success that has eluded him in recent seasons.

THE VISIT, A tragi-comedy by Friedrich Durrenmatt, directed by Tim Bohn, April 15, 16, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., A consummate, alarming Durrenmatt blend of hilarity, horror and vertigo. The play takes place “somewhere in Central Europe” and tells of an elderly millionaire who, merely on the promise of her millions, swiftly turns a depressed area into a boomtown.

ASU Department of Music
For more information contact: music@astate.edu or call (870) 972-2094. All concerts are in Riceland Hall. All concerts are free unless otherwise indicated.

CHOIRS Dr. Dale Miller and Mr. Kyle Chandler, directors

Centennial Celebration Grand Finale , Oct. 3 at 2 p.m., ASU Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble, featuring the world premier of “Architects of Fate” by Dr. Thomas O’Connor, ASU Professor of Theory and Composition.
*Tickets free by invitation only, call (870) 972-2803. Unclaimed seats open to the public 10 minutes before the start of the concert.

Fall Concert, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m., ASU Chamber Singers and Concert Choir. Special Guests—Overton High School choirs, Wendy V. Baker, director

Fall Concert, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m., ASU University Singers—Men’s Women’s and University/Community choirs.

Madrigal Feaste , Dec. 2-4
ASU Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, Grand Hall, Call (870) 972-2781 for ticket information or visit online at http://www2.astate.edu/tickets/

Chancellor’s Concert, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
ASU Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir.

Winter Concert, Mar. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
ASU University Singers—Men’s, Women’s and University/Community choirs.

Spring Concert, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, University Singers-Men’s, Women’s and University/Community choirs.

FACULTY RECITAL SERIES
ASU Music Faculty, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

JAZZ BANDS Dr. E. Ron Horton, director, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., March 10 at 7:30 p.m., April 21 at 7:30 p.m.

RINGERS Dr. Ellis Julien, director, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., April 25 at 7:30 p.m.

ORCHESTRA Dr. Neal Bartee, director

Jonesboro Music for a Lifetime Family Concert, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., Delta Symphony Orchestra , *Call (870) 972-2781 for ticket information or visit online at http://www2.astate.edu/tickets/.

Fall Concert, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., ASU Orchestra.

Young Artists Concerto Concert, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.

Spring Concert, April 14 at 7:30 p.m., ASU Orchestra.

Spring Pops Concert, May 1 at 2 p.m., Kyle Dean Massey will perform Broadway favorites with the Delta Symphony Orchestra.
*Call (870) 972-2781 for ticket information or visit online at http://www2.astate.edu/tickets/

OPERA Dr. Marika Kyriakos, director

Singers in Solo, Oct. 21-22 at 7:30 p.m.

Gilbert and Sullivan, Mar. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. Drama Theatre.

BANDS Dr. Tim Oliver & Dr. Kenneth Carroll, directors

ASU Wind Ensemble , Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. April 17 at 3 p.m.

Ney Rosauro, April 7 at 7:30 p.m., Guest percussion artist, in concert with the ASU Percussion Ensemble, Mr. Craig Collison, director. In cooperation with the ASU Lecture/Concert Series.

ASU Symphonic Winds, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

ASU Bradbury Gallery
Gallery Hours: Tue.-Sat. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

TRUE GRIT, Aug. 26-Oct. 3, Opening reception is Aug. 26 at 5 p.m.
True Grit features the work of five American artists with exceptionally long and productive careers who continue to make thought provoking work. Averaging 80 years of age, Judith K. Brodsky, Peter Campus, Warrington Colescott, Larry Edwards and Lee Friedlander are as inventive and courageous as ever. Curators Les Christensen and John Salvest believe that the motivational forces driving these artists well past the traditional retirement age has implications beyond the art world—an uncovering of the physical, cerebral and spiritual capabilities of the human condition. In a culture preoccupied with newness and mesmerized by youth, isn’t there still something to be learned from that which endures?

ESTE CABALLO/ESTA FAMILIA Oct. 14-Nov. 19, Opening reception is Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., Este Caballo/Esta Familia or This Horse this Family features Shelley Gipson and Kim Vickery, associate professors of art at ASU. Gipson will present two new series of work in this exhibition. The first focuses on identity through family, heritage or choice. The second centers on the dreams of a child—collaborations with her daughter Lilia. Vickery will exhibit a set of equestrian imagery in both book and print form inspired by a recent visit to Spain.

FALL 2010 SENIOR EXHIBITION Dec. 9-Dec. 18, Opening reception is Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Held each fall semester, this exhibition features graduating students from the Arkansas State University Department of Art.

DELTA NATIONAL SMALL PRINTS EXHIBITION, Jan. 20-Feb. 20, Opening reception is Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. Founded in 1996, the Delta National Small Prints Exhibition has received great acclaim as it has grown to be one of the country’s foremost annual competitions for prints. Each year a nationally known expert in the field of printmaking is invited to select the works of art for that exhibition and to determine which works will receive awards, including purchase prizes. This year John Caperton, the Jensen Bryan Curator at The Print Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be the juror.

THE ART GUYS, Mar. 10-Apr. 15 Opening reception is March 10 at 5 p.m.
For more than a quarter of a century, The Art Guys, also known as Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing, have intrigued, entertained, puzzled and moved those who have come into contact with their art. Theirs is a world where the everyday becomes monumental, where humor is serious, and the ridiculous meets the sublime.

SPRING 2011 SENIOR EXHIBITION April 28-May 7, Opening reception is April 28 at 5 p.m. Held each spring semester, this exhibition features graduating students from the Arkansas State University Department of Art.

The Foundation of Arts/The Forum
115 E. Monroe Ave., (870) 935-2726
www.foajonesboro.org

FRANKENSTEIN Oct. 16 and 18 at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
Don’t miss this frightful stage adaptation of Mary Shelly’s classic horror story involving a scientist and the monster he creates.

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET Dec. 4, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.
In a world of sugar plum fairies, snow queens, and army mice, Clara and her Nutcracker prince dance their way through this holiday tradition and into our hearts.

THE SECRET GARDEN Feb. 19 and 21 at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.
Watch the blossoming of the earth and the human spirit as Mary shows us the whole world is a garden in this touching and timeless tale.

THE LITTLE MERMAID Apr. 30 and May 2 at 7 p.m., May 1 at 2 p.m. Become a part of Mermaid’s world as she ventures on a magical musical journey to find true love while battling evil.

OKLAHOMA! June 25, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., June 26 at 2 p.m. Step back into Oklahoma Territory as rivals Curley and Jud vie for the love of prairie girl Laurey in a time of singing and dancing cowboys, box socials and surreys with a fringe on top.

FOA Student Art Show, May 3.

Sara Howell
Studio & Gallery
405 S. Main Street, (870) 935-6336
www.sarahowellgallery.net

BIG BOLD 15TH ANNIVERSARY ART SHOW, Nov. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A very special event celebrating 15 years of one of Jonesboro’s most spectacular art venues. The show will use the number “15” as a theme—this is one you won’t want to miss!

DECEMBER OPEN HOUSE
Held the first week in December
New artwork goes on display just in time for the holiday season.

Jan Bennett Troutt
Bennett’s Nursery & Garden Center
110 Southwest Drive, (870) 932-3180
www.janbennett-troutt.com

HOLIDAY ARTS AND OPEN HOUSE
Nov. 5-6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Regional artists will be featured including: Jan Troutt, painting and pottery; Lisa Hudson, pottery; Daphne Hewett, paper sculptures; and Dayna Carter, copper sculptures. More artists will be added closer to the show date.