Highlights

Emerging classical artists
This week two events will showcase the talent of emerging young classical artists —the annual Starr Young Artist Piano Competition and a voice recital by University of Arkansas music student Ember Lanuti.

The Starr competition will be Friday and Saturday at the Walton Center and at the UA. Founded by UA professor Carolyn Hickson, 21 years ago, th competition features pianists ages 8 to18 performing some of the world’s greatest piano music. The competition is named for local philanthropist Billie Jo Starr, who heads the fundraising. Awards for the competition range from $100 to $1,000.

Here is the schedule: Friday: Master class for non-contestants conducted by Seth Carlin at 10:30 a.m. at the WAC. Recital by Jura Margulis at 7 p.m. at the WAC. Saturday: Competition semifinals from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UA Fine Arts Concert Hall. Finals concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the WAC. The concerts are free.

Ember Lanuti will present a voice recital at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Giffels Auditorium in Old Main on the UA campus. Lanuti is raising money to help defray the costs to attend the Franco American Vocal Academy for Young Artists this summer in France. Lanuti will perform work by Debussy, Donizetti, Mozart and more. No charge, but donations are suggested.

JTR’S new EP
Jonathan Taylor Rose will release his new EP Friday at the Gypsy.

The 21-year old Rose writes songs of passion, with a pop sensibility. On the new EP “Beauty’s Only Envy,” Rose and his band mix it up by teaming pop numbers like “Lover’s Cinder” and “Slurring Eyes,” with the rocking “Dear Delilah” and the angst filled ballad “Dust.”

Rose broke onto the local scene two years ago as a solo act and became a protégé of Bejamin Del Shreve. Rose soon pieced together a band and dramatically altered his sound.

“As I’ve matured in writing music, I’ve found that many more options exist for eliciting emotion,” Rose said.

Rose and company —guitarist Robert Geiger, bassist Danny Klein and drummer Casey Grimes — are known for their energetic live shows. Rose says he is happy to have finally found his own sound and he’s shooting for the top.

“I’ve always wanted to play arena rock,” Rose said. “I never thought of music as a part-time gig. I dreamt of making my mark on the world.”

Also on the bill are Matt Jones, Apartment 5, Kilroy and Bear Colony.
Tickets are $10 advance and $12 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Dance

Local choreographers and dancers will wow audiences at the Dance Coalition’s annual spring concerts at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Walton Arts Center.
Dance Coalition was formed in 1996 and is the only choreographers cooperative in Arkansas.
This year’s program will include many styles of dance, such as classical and contemporary ballet – some inspired by life in Arkansas – as well as, jazz and lyrical, modern and Irish.

Choreographers presenting new work this year are: Michelle Brekelbaum, Emily Viator, Hannah Pasquinzo, Tamarah Jonason, Anabelle Steeleman-Berry, Ana Ayala, Mary Trulock, Amy Kessler, and Sally Ashcraft.

The highlights are:

Brekelbaum’s modern dance “A Study” with dancers in flowing costume dancing to the music of Yanni.

Viator’s jazz and hip-hop piece to Outkast’s “The Whole World” with dancers in Victorian-inspired costumes.

Pasquinzo’s funky jazz “Ruby Blue” and “Falling” in which the dancers seem to be puppets.

Steeleman-Berry’s “Fates,” to music by Trevor Jones.

Trulock’s three-section ballet called “Arkansas Suite” with music composed by Steven Trulock.

Jonason’s “Voices of the Spirit,” to music by Karunesh and spoken word, by Deerwoman, a local Shamanic Improvisational Prayerformer.

Ayala’s, traditional Irish reel with a contemporary twist performed by six Irish dancers.

Kessler’s “Poses” with music by Rufus Wainwright.

Ashcraft’s “The Color of Memory,” to music by J.S. Bach, James Blunt, and Israel Kamakawaiwo’ole featuring 13 dancers, who journey through an overnight dreamscape, inspired by the thought that memories can offer a sweet respite reality.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for age 12 and under and are available at the Walton Arts Center box office.

Spring at GoodFolk
The GoodFolk House on Block Avenue in downtown Fayetteville is welcoming spring with a trio of top shelf concerts this week. Friday night will be Dan Crary, Saturday night will be local songbird Darlene and next Thursday night will be Robin and Linda Williams. For times and tickets call 521-1812.