Highlights

Wheatfield

Before there was Trout Fishing in America, there was St. Elmo’s Fire, which was originally Wheatfield. The popular group came out of Houston, Tex. in the 1970s and Ezra Idlet, one-half of TFIA was one of the founding members of Wheatfield along with Connie Mims and Craig Calvert. For the past five years or so, the three original members and TFIA’s, Keith Grimwood, having been doing a handful of reunion shows each year. Because TFIA calls NWA home, they select Fayetteville’s GoodFolk as one of their few show venues. Wheatfield will play GoodFolk this Saturday night. Reservations are recommended by calling 521-1812.

First Thursday

The popular downtown event, First Thursday, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Fayetteville Underground on the downtown square. Feature artists will be C.E. Nelson and Kat Wilson. Nelson, of Fayetteville, will be featured in the Hive gallery and Fort Smith photographer, Kat Wilson will show in the Revolver gallery.

Nelson’s “Strangers and Not So Strange,” is a series of close-up portraits taken at a local pub using only ambient light. The work is simple, straightforward and minimally posed. Nelson keeps his prints small to force the viewer to come close to the portrait to experience the same intimacy that he has with his subjects.

Wilson’s “Habitats” is a series of environmental portraits that places people among their stuff-household objects and possessions, both everyday and the exotic. Wilson has been published in Communication Arts, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Oxford American and other publications.

In the Vault gallery, the underground studio artists will showcase a selection of their various figurative works. The E Street Gallery will have a selection of fine crafts. All exhibitions will continue through Feb. 27.

Big Night

Free ice skating, free swimming, free meeting space, free classes…the Jones Center in Springdale offers this and more to all residents of Northwest Arkansas. Now the center is asking the community to give a little by getting out for a fundraiser called Big Night tonight at the Fayetteville Town Center.

California’s jump jive band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform. The band has just released a tribute album to Cab Calloway, so expect some classic Calloway tunes along with the band’s regular mix of swing, Dixieland, big band and original dance songs.

There will be a live auction with three destination vacation packages available for bid and a raffle where the lucky winner will be going home in style with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Cocktail attire is suggested. Tickets are $75.