Highlights
Tonight, the Arts Center of the Ozarks will host a reception for one of the gallery’s most popular shows, the annual 5×5 exhibit. Now in its sixth year, the show features work by local artists who have been compromised to get their message across on a 5 by 5 inch canvas. The reception is from 5:55 to 7:55 p.m. Music by the jazz quartet, Swing Set.
Get out Friday night for the opening of a new gallery in downtown Fayetteville. Called simply “The Gallery,” a number of artists who were previously involved in an art space at the Legacy building, have moved their venture to 509 W. Spring St. The Gallery will showcase the work of local artists Juan Torres, Doug Randall, Dianna Michelle, David Bachman, J.P. McCauley, Jaquita Ball, Nathan Beatty, Mike Skinner, Harry McDermott, Elizabeth Nevin and Karolyn Farrell. The opening will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The 21st annual Small Works on Paper exhibition will conclude its almost year long tour in Fayetteville. The exhibit is on display at the Fine Arts Center Gallery of the University of Arkansas through Nov. 26. An opening reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Among the 39 artists in the juried show are Don House and Joanne Jones of Fayetteville and Steven Wise of Rogers.
Ozark Folk Festival and more
Folk, Flamenco, jazz, chamber music, rock? Take your pick. Here’s a quick rundown on just a few of the offerings.
The oldest folk festival west of the Mississippi, the Ozark Folk Festival, opens today in Eureka Springs. Headlining this year’s festival will be folk icon, Melanie, whose poppy hit “Brand New Key” or “the roller skate song” sold millions of records. Melanie was playing Greenwich Village clubs in the ‘60s, when Bob Dylan was still relatively unknown and The Factory was hopping. One of the Woodstock performers, Melanie’s songs have been covered by the likes of Cher, Ray Charles and Mott the Hoople. Tickets are $25. Performance at 2 p.m. Sunday at The Auditorium. For a schedule of other performances including Patty Larkin, Noah Earle, Greg Klyma go to www.ozarkfolkfestival.com. This is also food and wine weekend in Eureka, so many restaurants will have special wine selections.
There will be a hot jazz show Friday night in the small auditorium of the Walton Arts Center. Hammond B-3 organ player Joey DeFrancesco will do shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fresh out of high school, the Philadelphia native was recruited by Miles Davis. DeFrancesco is credited with bringing the organ back into the jazz spotlight. Tickets are $15-$30.
Also at the WAC this week, you can catch several performances by University of Arkansas ensembles. Check out 8 Days on page 6 for music listings.
At the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, you will find a new nine-piece chamber group, the NWA Chamber Music Society, performing selections by Spohr, Martinu and Jaroch at 6 p.m. Saturday night. Cost for the concert and dinner is $100.
Also in Benton County this weekend, classical guitarist Pavlo will play at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. The Canadian composer, singer and guitarist has created his own style by blending Greek, Flamenco and Latin music. Tickets are $25 by calling 855-9997.
On the rock side of things, O.A.R. and Jonathon Tyler and The Northern Lights will play Barnhill Arena on the UA campus at 8 p.m. Monday night. Tickets are $25 at Sound Warehouse. Tonight at George’s the amazing singer songwriter Ben Rector will host a CD release party for his new disc. George’s has a full slate of fine touring acts this week with Mike Dillon’s Go Go Jungle on Friday night, Pat Green and Adam Hood on Saturday night and Split Lip Rayfield on Nov. 13. Later this month Corey Smith, Robert Earl Keen and Tim Reynolds will be dropping by George’s, so save yourself up.
Empty Bowls
A great way to “give back” and have a good time and some good grub, is the annual Empty Bowls benefit, which will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at George’s on Dickson Street.
The event is a benefit for the NWA Foodbank, and for $25 you’ll get to enjoy soups from some of NWA best restaurants in a handmade bowl that you can take home. The bowls are made by local potters and a variety of other folks who wanted to showcase their creative side. There will be music by award winning songwriter, Shack and a silent auction of “celebrity bowls” signed by Miller and Lucinda Williams, Cheryl Crow and others.
