Keep It Funky
NWA happenings put the ‘Oh!’ in October
Bikes, Blues & BBQ is over, but that doesn’t mean the rest of October has a dearth of entertainment for those looking for fun.
Here are some of the top highlights and entertainment options for the coming days, not even counting all the tricks and treats Halloween provides.
Music
In recent days, numerous local acts have released CDs for fans to purchase, including Candy Lee and the Sweets, The Plaid Jackets, Big Bad Gina
and Charliehorse.
The longtime, nationally known duo of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet — Trout Fishing in America — recently released “Lookin’ At Lucky,” their first full-length CD for adults in 11 years.
The Shady Janes will perform at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville on Friday, Oct. 8 before appearing Oct. 29 at the Boom Boom Room for the CD release party of “Silence and the Sway.”
From out of town, Elephant Revival will make a stop at the Whole Earth Organic Lounge in Fayetteville on Thursday, Oct. 14 before going on to the Harvest Music Festival on Mulberry Mountain in Ozark.
Elephant Revival’s understated yet engaging bluegrass hints at echoes of the Cranberries vocally while evoking a mental image of long days traveling through wilderness and plains. The group’s music would have been a perfect backdrop for Joss Whedon’s too-short-lived, space-Western epic “Firefly” television series.
Art
It’s a sure thing you’ll find lots of art around the square and in the Underground during the next to the last First Thursday event today in Fayetteville.
More than 25 local artists will participate in the outdoor art walk. In addition there will be live music, and the New Belgium Brewing Co. will likely be operating their beer tent near the Fayetteville Town Center.
And Fayetteville Underground will host a reception with its artists from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, see fayettevilleunderground.com.
Theater
Those naughty journalists are at it again. The NWA Gridiron Show, featuring local media workers, will spoof local happenings and persons of note Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at the Rogers Little Theater. Visit nwagridiron.com for more information.
One semi-spooky, yet G-rated, event we can’t wait till later to reveal is the Arts Live Theatre production of “Night of the Living Dead.” The production will take place Oct. 27-31 at the facility on Sang Avenue in Fayetteville. For times, tickets and more, visit artslivetheatre.com.
Festivals
Bikes, Blues & BBQ may be the biggest, but it’s not the only festival to hit the area in October.
The Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Music Festival will take place Oct. 14-16. For the complete lineup and ticket information, visit yonderharvestfestival.com.
And the Offshoot Film Fest will take place today through Sunday, Oct. 7-10, in downtown Fayetteville venues. A weekend pass to all the events and screenings is just $30. For a schedule and screening and event locations, visit seedlingfilm.com/offshoot.