The Knowing Hand

The Knowing Hand

The Knowing Hand is a progressive rock band from Mountain Home that broke onto the music scene in January. They are currently writing songs and working on their first album. And although they’re fresh out of the gate, they’ve already scored a spot on George’s stage this Tuesday night. According to guitarist Skyler Greene, the band takes a hard, technical approach to the modern rock sound. Among their influences are Tool, Rush, Queen and Pink Floyd. Other members of the band are drummer Tyler Derrik, bassist Bob Pollard and vocalist Jared Greenway. Sharing the bill will be another Arkansas band, Ancient Device, a hard-hitting metal-leaning group that occasionally adds a didgeridoo, violin or cello to their mix.

An Evening Of Operatic Gems

The University of Arkansas Opera Theater, composed of upper classmen and community singers and directed by Christopher Lacy, will perform “An Evening of Operatic Gems” at 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday at the UA Fine Arts Concert Hall. The performance will feature selections from Guilio Cesare, Griselda, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Carmen, La Boheme as well as Nabucco performed by the UA Opera Chorus. Conducting will be Stephen Vasta of New York City. Vasta has played and conducted at the Indianapolis Opera, Berkshire Opera, Metro Lyric Opera and Ball State University. Admission is $10 at the door.

Two Big Nights Of Kimock

The amazing guitar player Steve Kimock will be bringing his Crazy Engine to Fayetteville for two nights at George’s this Friday and Saturday. Crazy Engine explores Motown and even a bit of jazz in addition to Kimock’s trademark psychedelic sound. Melvin Seals, Hammond B3 player extraordinaire, is returning with Kimock. Rounding out the group are Kimock’s son John Morgan Kimock on drums and Trevor Exter on bass. Steve has played with the likes of Jerry Garcia, Peter Frampton, Jorma Kaukomen and many more and he’s one of NWA’s favorite touring acts. Tickets are $20.

The Crucible

The University Theater will close the curtain on their production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” this week. Written in the 1950s, the play focuses on a young farm family that is accused of practicing witchcraft. It is the story of the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem and is a parody of contemporary society. The play is directed by Kate Frank and stars Hope Hudson, Jim Goza, Christy Hall, Rebecca Rivas, Jordan , Brandi Hoofnagle, Liam Selvey, Keila Lorenc, Molly Carroll, Will Grayson, Patrice Foster, Josh Kellman, Jared Hanlin, Laura Harrel, Asa Tims, Josh Wise, Caden Worley, Maurice Reed, Drew Johnson, Rachel Culp and Kenny Fitch. Performances are at 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the University Theater on the University of Arkansas campus. Tickets are $14 by calling 575-4752.

Lights Of The Ozarks

Fayetteville’s downtown square will be dressed for the holidays this weekend. The square will be lit with 450,000 lights on Saturday, turning the historic square into a fairyland for the 16th annual Lights of the Ozarks. The lights will be turned on after the 6:15 p.m. Lights of the Ozarks parade. The parade will begin at the Fayetteville Public Library and travel east on Mountain Street to the square. The lights will remain on through Dec. 31. During this time there will be carriage rides, camel rides, music and vendors on the square during the evening hours.