Patio Music and more

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the growing number of off-Dickson Street venues that are hosting live music and some new ones that have popped up in the Dickson Street area. We’ve already mentioned Smiling Jacks, a half block off Dickson Street, the Gypsy that left Dickson for a College Avenue location and El Chico in the Northwest Arkansas Mall area and now we hear that Mellow Mushroom and Louie’s in the mall area are featuring music on their patio. 

Speaking of patios, they’re all hopping with live music in the Dickson Street area. Powerhouse, U.S. Pizza, Jose’s, Smiling Jack’s and a new one, Wasabi are happening places this spring. On the square, the Jammin’ Java patio is always the place to be on Farmers Market Saturdays. Jammin’ Java is also doing music on Friday nights. Although one might rationalize that with most of the UA students gone for the summer, the music might slow down, but, thanks to the patio’s that’s not the case.

And, the quality of the music is right up there. It is confirmed: Sarah Hughes has moved back to town. The award winning singer-songwriter will have a couple of dates at George’s this week, Sunday night as a solo and June 18, she’ll be there with her band.

GoodFolk, will host another NWA transplant, the talented singer-songwriter Jack Williams will play the house concert series on Friday. 

And, the big show in town this week will be Levon Helm and his 12-piece band June 18 at the Walton Arts Center. This show is sold-out, but Levon and his band are also playing Cain’s Ballroom (we love that room) in Tulsa, this Tuesday night and Wildwood in Little Rock on June 20. 

 

 

Peace Gardens Tour

OMNI will present its annual fundraiser, the Peace Gardens Tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Five Fayetteville gardens will be featured on the self-guided tour. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.omnicenter.org or by calling 442-4600.

Gardners who are opening their gardens for the tour are:

Cathy Boyd, whose large yard and pool area are populated by tall trees and diverse flower plantings. City gardener Roxanne Worthy will showcase her perennial gardens.  Marie Riley’s Julia Ward Howe Peace Garden is highlighted by a piazza, shade perennials, rain garden and pond. Nancy Maier’s Blue Birds of Peace Garden and zen garden is a perfect example of a terraced garden. E.D. Laningham’s Greendale Peace Garden was created with a Native American Wheel as a focal point.  Woodland beds are home to wildflowers and there is a small organic vegetable garden. 

 

 

War Eagle the movie

Northwest Arkansas is the setting for a new film that will premiere tonight at 8 p.m. at the Malco Razorback 12 in Fayetteville. “War Eagle” stars Dan McCabe, Luke Grimes (who plays Ryan Lafferty on TV’s “Brothers & Sisters) and Emmy winners Mary Kay Place and Brian Dennehy.

The idea for the film came from North Little Rock resident Vince Insalaco, who produced the film. The coming-of-age story revolves around two childhood friends, one an athlete and the other confined to a wheelchair. The movie is set in “War Eagle” and was filmed in 2006 in the Eureka Springs area. The film has already garnered several awards from independent film festivals. 

Because the premiere is a fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, tickets to the premiere are $50. Those ticketholders can also attend a VIP reception at Shogun with some of the cast and crew prior to the screening. Tickets for the reception are $75. For tickets call 957-2022. 

Public showings at regular theater prices begin on Friday at the Razorback and the Malco Town Center 12 in Rogers. After the Arkansas premiere, the film will have nationwide distribution.

 

 

XTERRA

XTERRA Eureka Springs, the off-road triathlon and trail run will challenge athletes from 12 states Saturday at Lake Leatherwood. Lake Leatherwood is a beautiful spot, so pack a picnic, find a place in the shade and leave the sweating to the buff ones. The triathlon starts at 10 a.m. Cletus Got Shot will play at noon. Free for spectators.