Highlights
Mad Hatter’s Ball
The Mad Hatter’s Ball, at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, brings out supporters of the Eureka Springs School of the Arts in their most outrageous headgear and costumes, every year at this time. The ESSA benefit includes a dinner, dancing and auction. Tickets are $50 by calling (479) 253-5384.
Cory Branan and Sam King at OPO
Singer songwriter Cory Branan who left Fayetteville a while back for Austin is back in town for a Friday night show at the OPO at the Urban Table on the Fayetteville Square. Opening for Branan will be another talented Fayetteville favorite who we haven’t heard from in awhile, Sam King.
The talented, footloose Branan has not signed a new label deal since recording his 2006 release “12 Songs,” but after his current tour, which takes him across the U.S. and Europe, he’ll be back in the studio to record his third album set for release next spring. Although he’s shied away from label deals, he’s been included in some impressive circles. According to “Rolling Stone:” “There’s a new breed of singer-songwriter – Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst and now Cory Branan.” Tickets are $7. Show at 10 p.m. and it’s an 18 and up show.
Railroad Earth
As part of their nationwide tour that includes shows at venues like The Fillmore in San Francisco and Antone’s in Austin, Railroad Earth will make a stop at George’s Majestic Lounge on Sunday night. Putting out their first release in four years, just this spring, the band will be showcasing tunes from the new album, “Amen Corner” as well as some older favorites. Railroad Earth puts out a smooth blend of roots and bluegrasss that brings to mind the “American Beauty” days of the Grateful Dead. Tickets are $15. Show at 9 p.m. and it’s an 18 and up show.
Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines
Those who are fans of the GoodFolk house concerts in downtown Fayetteville, often say one of their favorite shows is the Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines show. The Texas duo will be back in town to perform at GoodFolk this Friday night. Hendrix has been touring throughout the U.S. has been busy working on a retrospective album, a jazz album and also a book. Maines, is the legendary producer and the father of Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines, and is a fine performer as well as producer. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets $12 by calling 521-1812.
GoodFolk will host another returning performer on Oct. 30, when Canadian-born singer songwriter Ray Bonneville returns. The Juno winner (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) will play at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Tickets are $10.
Homer, Shakespeare and Pearl’s Sixth Wedding
If you need a dose of the classics, the Walton Arts Center has you covered. New York’s Aquila Theatre Company will present Homer’s “The Iliad” at 3 p.m. Monday in the WAC’s smaller Starr Theatre. “The New York Times” called Aquila’s production of “The Iliad” “a performance of staggering power.” Tickets are $25.
At 7 p.m. today and at 8 p.m. Friday, the company will stage Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.” The production features amazing visuals, clever movement, impressive costumes and lighting and a specially commissioned musical score. Tickets are $20-$30.
Enjoy some amazing talent—both writers and actors—hatched right here in the Ozarks, when the hilarious characters from the “Dupont Mississippi” come together for “Pearl’s Sixth Wedding” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again on Nov. 14-15 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. Mark Langdon Smith of Fayetteville’s Ceramic Cow Productions, said the troupe is reviving the production by popular demand. The play was originally staged as part of the Fayetteville Arts Festival. The play is produced by Smith and Julie Gabel and stars Warren Rosenaur, Vickie Hilliard, Mike Thomas, Dianna Blaylock, Angela Hicks, Bill Rogers, Patricia Kulish and Taylor. The audience is witness to the wedding ceremony and will take part in the reception, thus becoming part of the romp. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 (cash), at the door and include food, drink and dancing. To purchase call 571-4879.
