Highlights

Party for the dogs…and cats
Two events are happening this week on Dickson Street that will benefit local animal aid organizations. One event will be a laidback night of local music and the other a slick runway show with local fashions and music by the Muscle Shoals, Ala. duo BoomBox.
Monday night at George’s, some up-and-coming bands that are starting to get some attention, Earth Society, Dub and Steve and the Recliners will be taking the stage along with NWA newcomer, the golden voiced Candy Lee, in a benefit for Spay Arkansas. Spay Arkansas is a new animal aid organization based in Fayetteville that is raising funds to buy a spay neuter van that will offer low cost spay and neuter services and reduce the number or unwanted pets. The benefit was organized by Crazy Neighbor bassist Grant Scarsdale. The show starts at 7 p.m. and a $5 donation is requested.
On Sept. 18 at the Dickson Theater, the folks from Lola Boutique and Luxe Beauty will stage Strut for a Mutt, a fashion show and party that will benefit Spay Arkansas and the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. Joining the smashing models will be pups from the pound that will be available for adoption. Many homeless dogs and cats are looking for homes right now, so get out and meet some of them and maybe take one home. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. with DJ Shortfuze, followed by the fashion show and a live auction and ending with a performance by BoomBox. Tickets are $20.

Ani at George’s, Cray at the WAC and lots more
Think about it. Who would ever believe that in a town this size we’d snare Ani Difranco, the Robert Cray Band and Seether in the same week? And the big scoop is: the Ani show has moved from The AMP to George’s. Yep, what a score to see this righteous babe for $30 in a venue this size. She’ll be playing the Dickson Street club on Tuesday night.
The Robert Cray Band, one of the smoothest blues bands ever, will be at the Walton Arts Center on Sept. 18. Tickets are $28 to $48.
South African hard rock outfit Seether will be ruling the Town Center in downtown Fayetteville on Tuesday night. On board with Seether are Theory of a Deadman, State of Shock and Blackstone Cherry. Tickets are $28.50 at Sound Warehouse or ticketmaster.com.
Other notable shows happening this week: Tonight and every Thursday night check out the jazz jam at Green Door. The house band features a rotating cast of players including Walter Savage, Ben Harris, Johnny Arrendando and Nathan McLeod. Musicians are welcome to sit in.
On Friday night GoodFolk will host touring singer songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell. Saturday night. George’s has some big shows going Friday and Saturday. Friday night there’ll be a Six Hung Sprung reunion show and on Saturday night Thanks for Nothing will host a CD release party. Check out the music listings for a complete lineup for both nights. Saturday night will be goth night at Teatro Scarpino with Cruxshadows, DJ Death Mistress, DJ ChaosKittyExtreme and DJ Infamous.

First Baptist of Ivy Gap and Moonlight and Magnolias
Two local theater companies are in the second week of production this week.
The Arts Center of the Ozark will close the “First Baptist of Ivy Gap,” after performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The play revolves around six women during the war days of 1945 and 1970. While the men are in battle, the women bond and do service work at the church to support the war effort. The play was selected as the 2002 winner of the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights in Abingdon, Va. And is directed by Julie Gabel. The cast includes Kim Fuhrman, Lesha Kuehn, Evan Crawford, Vickie Hilliard, Dianna Blaylock and Heidi Nash. Tickets are $20 adults, and $10 children by calling 751-5441.

Theatre Square is staging “Moonlight and Magnolias” this weekend and Sept 18, 19, 20 at the Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studio. The play follows legendary film producer David O. Sleznick during the filming of “Gone with the Wind.” Sleznick and his creative staff lock themselves away for five days to perfect the script, in what is sometimes a telling and hilarious glimpse into the industry. The play is directed by Amy Herzberg and stars Justin Scheuer, Virginia Scheuer, Bryce Kemph and Kevin Cohea. Performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sept. 18, 19, 20 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 21. Tickets are $22 by calling 443-5600.