Get to Know your 2023 VoiceJam Competitors Pt. 2

The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Festival has become a fan-favorite event of the season, hosting an entire weekend of opportunities to experience, learn, perform and compete. The weekend kicks off with professional headliner Duwendé on April 14 and continues with an entire day of workshops for anyone interested in learning more about a cappella.  

The grand finale, the VoiceJam Competition is back and better than ever, bringing some of the best a cappella groups from across the country to Walton Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 15. Keep reading to get to know this year’s competitors. 

A-Side – College Station, TX 

How did your group get started?   

Our group originally started in the early 2000s. While other high schools were focusing on show choir, our choir director, Travis Angel, wanted to do something different. He discovered contemporary a cappella for high school students and loved the challenge and musicality that comes from the genre. Each year a new group is created with new sounds, memories and dance moves.  

What is the musical background of your group?  

Our group is filled with students who have sung in traditional middle and high school choirs, as well as people who played in band and participated in musical theater. Two of our members were named top two percent of bass high school singers in the state of Texas. Our group members also play multiple varsity sports, lead clubs as presidents, help create the yearbook, run the school store, dance professionally, volunteer countless hours and more! 

Tell us about your set. Do you have a favorite part of it to perform?  

Our set is extremely fun to sing. We try to make every element of the music have purpose – the silence is just as important as the singing. We hope to spread a message of hope even through complex situations. Sometimes it takes a twisted journey to get to where we need to be but in the end, we can be thankful for the destination. 

Does your group have any pre-show rituals?  

Other than the freak out and nerves which is universal to all performing groups? While the girls get ready, the guys listen to the entire Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon in the dark while lying on the floor.  

 

Mind the Gap – Eugene, OR 

How did your group get started? 

Mind the Gap was founded in 2007 by a few students at the University of Oregon. Since then, we have been performing at gigs around the Pacific Northwest as well as competing at the national level. We aim to create a fun and welcoming environment to make music together. 
 

Tell us the musical background of your group. 

Our group is made up of all different types of students at the University of Oregon. Although we do have some music majors in the group, our areas of interest span from economics to environmental studies. However, our experiences with music are similar in that a lot of us have grade school choir experience and some of us play an instrument or two. A lot of members have also gotten into arranging pieces for the group which has been super fun as an activity to collaborate and grow our knowledge and experience together. 
 

Tell us about your set and do you have a favorite part of it to perform? 

As a group, we decided on the story and message we wanted to convey through our set, which has really helped us all connect with the music. We’re really proud of what we’ve created together and can’t wait to perform at the VoiceJam Competition in 2023. 
 

Does your group have any pre-show rituals? 

Usually, myself and the music director, Chloe Scheid, will say a few words to the group and give other group members an opportunity to hype each other up. We have a usual set of warm-ups that we run through too. After the show, we always huddle in a circle and express our feelings about the show and chant a phrase relevant to the performance together. Traditions like these affirm our sense of community. 

 

Euphoria – Allendale, MI 

How did your group get started?  

Our group consists of 15 very talented individuals of all voice parts, a variety of majors and varying levels of musical experience. We all come together for our shared love of music and performance. We typically perform pop, indie and rock genres, but we are open to trying anything!  

Tell us the musical background of your group.  

Our set takes the audience on a journey through the response to grief. However, we leave room for interpretation, so anyone can apply the emotions to any particular situation they have experienced.  

Our favorite piece to perform is “Moderation” by Florence and the Machine. We focus on the bounce back that typically happens eventually after a breakup or loss, trying to convince yourself that you are okay. The song is sassy and jazzy and our soloist brings the house down. Overall, our set is reflective and emotional, while still being upbeat and exciting to listen to. We have put our hearts and souls into this set and we are beyond excited to bring it to the VoiceJam stage! 

Tell us about your set and do you have a favorite part of it to perform?  

We always have a group speech, usually our president will speak to get us in the zone. We then have a chant, where we say, "We sing, you listen, we all experience, Euphoria!" It never fails to get us in the performance mindset.  

Don’t miss the aca-spectacular musical showdown. Tickets are $27 plus applicable fees, or purchase a combo ticket to see both Duwendé and the VoiceJam Competition for $29.

Get To Know Your 2023 VoiceJam Competitors Pt. 1

The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Festival has become a fan-favorite event of the season, hosting an entire weekend of opportunities to experience, learn, perform and compete. The weekend kicks off with professional headliner Duwendé on April 14 and continues with an entire day of workshops for anyone interested in learning more about a cappella.  

The grand finale, the VoiceJam Competition is back and better than ever, bringing some of the best a cappella groups from across the country to Walton Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 15. Keep reading to get to know this year’s competitors.  

VIBE – Dallas, TX  

How did your group get started? 

After several years of performing together in college, many of us wanted to continue singing with each other. VIBE was created as an outlet for our artistic needs. As we continued to compete in various competitions, we began collecting new family members from across the country who were equally as passionate about a cappella as we were.  

What is the musical background of your group? 

Our style spans many music genres including pop, soul, indie and R&B. Regardless of the song, we always put our soulful flare on anything we sing. 

Tell us about your set. Do you have a favorite part of your set to perform?  

One of our favorite moments in the set is the “Human Heart” number. It's a gentle and vulnerable reminder that we – as musicians, friends, families, and performers – only have one heart to offer in this life and to make the most of every moment.  

Does your group have any pre-show rituals? 

Before every performance, we start with a group circle offstage where we collectively do a breathing routine to get the nerves in check and to unify with each other one last time before heading out to perform. 

 

Walk the Line – Rockwall, TX 

How did your group get started?   

We already had a vocal ensemble at Rockwall High School but decided to start an a cappella group in 2015. We have competed and attended competitions every year since, including twice at the International Championship of High School A Cappella competition – we won second place last year.   

What is the musical background of your group?  

We love to perform at competitions and festivals. Being on stage is the best part of a cappella. We also love recording our music and are proud to have both albums released on all platforms. We have had a few songs featured on Voices Only and Varsity Vocals’ best of a cappella albums BOHSA albums in the past few years. We’re excited to have our third album come out later this year! 

Tell us about your set. Do you have a favorite part of it to perform?  

Our set follows a love story from the relationship’s conception to its demise. We love performing “Reckless Driving” by Lizzy McAlpine and Ben Kessler because it illustrates the intense, combative perspectives of two people drifting apart. It’s emotionally charged, and our choreography helps tell the story in an impactful way.  

Does your group have any pre-show rituals?   

Before every performance, we set time aside to rehearse our set and then have some circle time together. It's a time for us to connect with each other on a deeper level and talk about anything and everything. We usually start with words of encouragement and gratitude. It lifts us up and puts us in a collaborative state for the day. While getting ready for the shows, it’s also not uncommon for a few TikToks to be made for bonding and community engagement. 

 

Trillium – Dallas, TX 

How did your group get started?   

Our group started as an idea between co-creators Hannah Howard and Wennie Grogan. Towards the end of our senior year, we decided we didn’t want our a cappella journey to end yet, so we decided to create a vocal group based in Dallas, hoping to reach people with our creative play on a cappella and have a space to have fun and create. We got our name, Trillium, from a beautiful flower with many colors, highlighting our group's goal to continue growing together as musicians and pointing to our group motto: “bloom from within.”  

What is the musical background of your group? 

All of our members come from a former high school a cappella group and competed nationally. We are super proud of our group members – they all bring creativity and fun to the group. 

Tell us about your set. Do you have a favorite part of it to perform?  

Our set is composed of three songs, which gradually get slower and show an almost reversed sense of growth throughout the songs. Our favorite song to perform is called “The Intro,” and when you come see us perform you will find out why! 

Does your group have any pre-show rituals?  

Not really any pre-show rituals yet, maybe a small prayer before we go on. 

Don’t miss the aca-spectacular musical showdown. Tickets are $27 plus applicable fees, or purchase a combo ticket to see both Duwendé and the VoiceJam Competition for $29.

Celebrate International Women's Day with All-Female Latin-Alternative Band LADAMA

March 8 is International Women’s Day – part of larger recognition of Women’s History Month in March – which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also raises awareness about discrimination and provides avenues of support to help vulnerable women across the world.  

Each year, the organization behind the celebration identifies missions to help forge a gender-equal world. One of the missions for 2023 is elevating the visibility of women creatives and recognizing them as a pulse of inspiration.  

In honor of International Women’s Day and this year’s mission to celebrate women’s creativity, we are drawing attention to an upcoming performance by the international all-female musical powerhouse, LADAMA, at Walton Arts Center Thursday, March 30 at 7 pm. 

This is a group of women who make music that truly inspires. They deliver an utterly unique experience as they flow from the electric to acoustic, from Spanish to English to Portuguese, and from the high plains of Venezuela to the Columbian coast. Their art transports us to a future where the world communicates across continents and cultures through sound and story. This quartet of Latin American female musicians – Mafer Fernanda, Lara Klaus, Daniela Serna and Sara Lucas – create a cross-cultural collaborative project, empowering women and children through the power of music. 

“We met in 2014 at OneBeat which brings together musicians from around the world to create socially engaged projects and compose music together,” said Lucas. Fernanda remembers the musical residency program as the first place she experienced other women playing music professionally.  

“Music should be a right, not a privilege.”

-Daniela Serna

The four women always individually wanted to educate and empower young people, and together, they knew they could collectively impact their communities through sound. For several years after residency at OneBeat, they crowdsourced and raised money to tour in their countries – Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil and the United States. More than just perform, the women decided to host workshops for anyone interested, because they believe that everyone is capable of creating music and art. “As educators, we are talking about the music industry and about how to use music as a tool of creation and social change. Both the musical and educational sides of what we do are very important to us,” said Klaus.  

“We’re not sharing just music, but its oral tradition and its ancestral knowledge. Music should be a right, not a privilege.” Serna said. Their music features traditional Latin instruments – typically male-dominated skills – blended with modern percussion and genre, such as pop.  

OYE MUJER, the group’s second full-length album, is a declaration to women and a call to humanity. This collection of songs in English, Spanish and Portuguese channel the personal experiences of being human amid global crises, unprecedented climate destruction and immigration. While each “dama” (lady in Spanish) takes her turn delivering powerful vocals, the other women support her as instrumentalists and arrangers, a beautiful symbolic image of women supporting female changemakers throughout history.  

“Mysterio,” their first single, is a celebration of femininity.  It’s about female emancipation and is an invitation to embrace our bodies and to embrace diversity, declaring “there is no one ideal body type,” said Serna. “It's important to use songs as an educational tool to sing to generations of women who aren't going to be oppressed by patriarchic ideas. These are the kinds of conversations we want to start.” 

Now that you’ve met the musical group LADAMA, meet the amazing individual women who make up the band.

Mafer Fernanda 

Mafer Fernanda is a bandola llanera performer, self-taught composer, community organizer and educator. As a teaching artist, she works for The Lullaby Project, an initiative of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The program pairs parents and caregivers with professional artists to write and sing personal lullabies for their babies, supporting maternal health, aiding childhood development and strengthening the bond between parent and child. She also works for the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance, a performing and educational organization that aims to preserve the music of the Americas, emanating from African and indigenous roots, through the entry point of jazz. 

Lara Klaus 

Lara Klaus is a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, educator and music therapist. Klaus’ focus is on mastering traditional percussion on the pandeiro, alfaia, zabumba and other world music instruments along with the rhythms of Northeast Brazil. In addition to performing, Klaus has taught workshops for all ages throughout South America, Europe and the U.S. She participates in NGO Integrarte, where she works with musicians with Down syndrome, and for several years she was musical director of the Maracarte percussion group.  

Daniela Serna 

Daniela Serna is a Colombian composer, percussionist, educator and sound artist. She is the founder of La Perla, an all-female Caribbean folk band, who recently won the XXXI Festival de Gaita larga Francisco Llirene in Ovejas, Sucre. In 2014, she presented Bullerengue Covers, a sound installation exploring the sonics of tambour alegre, the hand drum. In 2012, she won a Señal Radio Colombia contest to perform with legendary folksinger bullerengue queen Petrona Martínez. 

Sara Lucas 

Sara Lucas is a singer, songwriter and guitarist.  As co-bandleader of New York- based Callers, a project she founded with multi-instrumentalist and composer Ryan Seaton, she has co-produced and released three full-length albums, Fortune, Life Of Love and Reviver. Callers has earned spots at festivals including Primavera Club and Tanned Tin Festival in Spain, Crossing Brooklyn Ferry at BAM, Festival de la Musica Nelle in Italy and the Hillside Fest in Ontario. In 2015, Lucas served as a facilitator for production workshops with youth in Brooklyn and Hudson, New York, with Found Sound Nation and Hear Be Dragons.  

LADAMA continues to use their platform to advocate and inspire, fostering generations of musicians and leaders. In the same way, women throughout history have raised their voice to advocate for change and equality, creating a more beautiful world of possibility and opportunity.  

Join us this women’s history month to hear this group of exceptional international women at Walton Arts Center on March 30. Tickets are only $10.  

Arkansas Filmmaker’s Showcase Celebrates Locally Produced Films

Walton Arts Center and Fayetteville Film Festival are collaborating to present an evening of films from Arkansas filmmakers and artists at 8 pm on Saturday, March 11. The Arkansas Filmmaker’s Showcase features seven short films from our growing movie industry here in Arkansas.  

Movies can make us laugh, cry, cheer and they can inspire us to create, especially when those stories come from our neighbors and fellow Arkansans. From all across the state, local directors are using film to spark conversation about life, from dating and family relationships to growing older and honoring memories. Join us as we see Arkansas through different lenses.

We sat down with a few of the directors ahead of the mini film festival to learn more about their films and what inspires them.

“Arkansas provides a myriad of locations that provide everything a filmmaker could be looking for, cityscapes, rivers, lakes, mountains, farms, ranches. You name it, you can find it in the Natural State.”

- Marc E. Crandall, Banana Triangle Six Director

Lemniscate 

Chuck Meré is a Fayetteville director, and his film Lemniscate depicts a father who must choose between being present for his daughter's scheduled visitation or indulging in his biggest scientific breakthrough, travelling to a parallel universe.  

The film was a real passion project for Meré, and seeing people respond so positively to it has been rewarding. “The film touches on a lot of important issues, like balancing work and family, and overcoming or being destroyed by the metaphorical man in the mirror. I think it's important that these messages are shared, and I feel honored every time I get the chance to show the film to a new audience.” 

Meré has called Fayetteville home for over 30 years and considers Northwest Arkansas the backdrop for his formative years. “My first steps into the world of video production were taken here through local cable access and it was here that I brought my creative visions to life,” Meré continued. “The inspiration I draw from this place is inescapable, infusing every frame of my work with the story of Arkansas, a story that has become intertwined with my own.” 

Double Trouble  

As the only co-directed film at the Arkansas Filmmaker’s Showcase, Levi Smith and Brett Helms’ film about two intrepid teenage boys is aptly titled Double Trouble. They share a similar vision for their movies – excitement – and the fun they had while filming shines through.  

Smith and Helms fondly remember running around suburban Arkansas, recording their stories on iPhones and camcorders, trying to capture their creative moments. So, deciding to study film at the University of Central Arkansas was a no-brainer. “We are still as much the passionate 11-year-olds with camcorders as we were then, only now we have equipment and a skilled crew,” said Smith.

Smith’s favorite part about filming Double Trouble was “running around the coolest arcade I’ve ever seen.” He also praised the expertise of the cast and crew. “It’s just a movie that all came together like chocolate and peanut butter. Everyone wanted to work towards something that we would remember for the rest of our lives.”  

“Film was created to entertain, and our films are no exception,” Smith said. “Beyond that, we always try to include meaning in our films. I believe we've done that with Double Trouble. It's a film that both lets you have a great time, and then lets you sit for a moment and contemplate what it means to get older and grow up. All in under 15 minutes!”  


Pomegranate 

Molly Wheat’s film, Pomegranate, captures the moment when two exes check in on each other. She is thrilled that her film will be screened again in Fayetteville.  

“The goal in making something is always for people to see it, and when you make things independently it's not always easy to even get eyes on your project,” Wheat said. “In addition to the Fayetteville Film Festival, Pomegranate has screened in NYC at New York Shorts International Film Festival and Arkansas Shorts in Hot Springs.” 

Wheat could not pick a favorite part of directing and filming Pomegranate. “Making a film in any capacity is so much work that you really have to love it to want to do it in the first place. To me, the electricity of being in it is so exhilarating.” Wheat also credited the strength of her film to her best friend of 15 years, Valerie Polston, who co-wrote and co-produced the film.  

Wheat was born and raised in Arkansas and often reflects on the unexpected inspiration and creativity in the state. “We don’t live in a place that is widely known as a hub for art or filmmaking, but there is talent everywhere. I've found myself surrounded by a community of professionals and really talented filmmakers,” she said. “So often our state is written off for unfair preconceived notions about the south in general, or for not providing a more metropolitan backdrop for stories. The state is beautiful and there are so many interesting stories to be told here.”

These are just a sampling of the films you can see at the Arkansas Filmmaker’s Showcase on March 11 at 8 pm. All tickets are $15! 

Other Films Screened at the Showcase: 

Flight (10:04)  

  • Director: Tyler Horne, Hot Springs – University of Central Arkansas student film  

  • A boy struggling to come to terms with his parents’ marital problems must face his worst nightmare and make a choice that he never wanted to make.  

For a Few Dollars Fewer (4:17)  

Photo Credit: David Phelps

  • Director: Nick Loper, Siloam springs – John Brown University student film  

  • When an amateur bandit finds out that his bounty is just $10, he makes an ambitious attempt to make a name for himself among the great outlaws of his time.   

Banana Triangle Six (23:30)  

  • Director: Marc E. Crandall, Fayetteville  

  • A day in the life of an elderly gentleman, Hank Crute, as he deals with the trials and tribulations of a resident of Spring Valley Retirement Home – bad food, conniving females and an unexpected doctor’s visit.  

Boppie (6:33)  

  • Director: Ethan Gueck, Conway – University of Central Arkansas student film  

  • In an attempt to avoid the harsh realities of his grandpa’s imminent death, Stevie sets out to re-create some of his Boppie’s perfect pictures.   

 

 

Encouraging the Next Generation of Theatergoers with Shows Just for Kids

The Family Fun Series and Kellogg’s Kids Series at Walton Arts Center are your ticket to a night at the theater that the whole family will enjoy. From the hopeful classic Annie to the heartfelt adventures of Hiccup! and everything in between, these performances will keep the whole family on their toes and keep the kids in their seats!  

Find your voice in a feathery adventure with Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie Starring Indigo Blume. New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books to the stage, Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume at 4 pm on Sunday, March 5. Blume and the other lovable characters like Dairy Parton, Duck Ellington and Chickee Minaj explore dozens of musical genres including country, rap, go-go and blues. They also tell a story about being scared, being brave, helping your community and believing in yourself. Tickets are $10!

And don’t miss an original adaptation of The Jungle Book, a tale of strength, loyalty and courage on Saturday, March 25 at 4 pm. Three local professional arts companies have teamed up to create the second collaboration in the nation of its kind. Trike Theatre, one of our artistic affiliates, creates extraordinary theatre experiences for young people and families, strengthens community and inspires young voices. Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation seeks to bring pieces of Indian culture to Northwest Arkansas and Megha Rao from Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance choreographed the production and instructed the local dancers. Come see the strength of the jungle. Tickets are only $10!   

Join the quest to find the great hiccup cure with Windmill Theatre’s Hiccup! The beloved Australian theater company returns at 4 pm on Sunday, April 16 with a brand new story of three unlikely friends who band together to try and cure an exceptionally stubborn case of the hiccups. A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an inventive emu embark on an epic journey through the outback that sees them frantically eat, sing and invent their way towards a cure before the sun comes up. Hiccup! is a hilarious musical extravaganza about working together and finding friendship. Tickets to this rocking, outback adventure are $10 for kids and $15 for adults. 

Just a week later, comes a heartfelt coming of age story. A Letter for Elena blends theater and dance to showcase the power of words and the complexities of loss. We join three friends, Frank, Lucy and Aïcha, on an emotional and captivating journey of remembrance and love that touches on the importance of connection. A Letter for Elena will also help children and adults start a dialog around difficult topics, such as grief and loss, as well as appreciation for life and friendship. A Letter for Elena takes the stage Sunday, April 23 at 4pm. Tickets are $10.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

You don’t want to miss Annie, “one of the best family musicals ever penned,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. See this Tony Award®-winning musical May 5-7. 

Movies adapted into theater productions help get kids interested in theater with a story and characters that they already know and love like Madagascar the Musical June 2-3. Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This smash hit musical features all of your favourite crack-a-lackin' friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar. This brand-new musical from Dreamworks will leave audiences with no choice but to "Move It, Move It!" 

Tickets to these shows and more can be purchased online at waltonartscenter.org, in person at the box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by calling (479) 443-5600.  

Meet LADAMA, The Future of International Music

LADAMA is an all-female musical group that harnesses the musical flavors of their respective countries, seamlessly creating a unique blend of enthralling sound. These sisters in song and spirit blend Spanish, English and Portugese languages with elements of cumbia, maracatu, onda nueva, pop, soul and R&B. Their music transports us to a future where the world communicates across continents and cultures through sound and story.

Their self-titled album reached No. 1 on both iTunes and Amazon’s Latin music charts. Their second album, Oye Mujer, was released in 2020 and was called “irresistible and universal” by critics. LADAMA has performed at TED, the Monterey Jazz Festival, ESPN’s “The Latino Experience” and NPR’s “Tiny Desk.”

In keeping with our 10x10 Arts Series, we sat down with member of the band, Mafer Bandola, ahead of LADAMA’s performance at Walton Arts Center at 7 pm on Thursday, March 30.

1. What can audiences expect when they come to see the performance?

“They can expect a sonic experience where the future is a world that communicates across continents and cultures, with sound and story. The audience can expect to see the joy and freedom in the musicality of four women from four countries on one stage, engaging in a Pan-Latinx whole.”

2. What do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?

“We hope they can leave the venue thinking about how diversity is essential to create new visual and sonic narratives and how representation matters on stages.”

3. What do you wish you could tell your younger self about being an artist?

“Much of what you are going to experience has yet to exist. You will create it. Therefore, you will feel alone, but don't worry. You will also develop other meanings for community and belonging. Focus on finding spaces that make you feel safe to create. Remember to listen to your instincts and body, modify what doesn't let you grow, and try as many times as possible to improve your art, even if it involves walking through different disciplines.”

4. What is your favorite part of each performance?

“When we look at each other many times during the performance and recognize how much we enjoy playing live shows together.”

5. How did you come up with your group name?

“We created it based on the initials of our names, LAra, DAniela and MAfer: LADAMA, but we also realized that our band name means “The Lady” in Spanish. Later, we asked Sara if she wanted her initials to be on the band name, but she was okay not adding it. We were really excited about the name and still are!”

6. Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?

“Each of us has a different way of preparing ourselves before shows; mine is to canalize my energy for the performance, which is about bringing the focus on the present, breathing, stretching my fingers, arms, legs, and the rest of my body."

7. Pick 5 words to best describe your work.

“Transformative, energizing, polyrhythms, alma (soul), and vida (life).”

8. What is the best advice that you have been given?

"It's okay to ask for help."

9. What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?

“I have created a playlist of what I have been listening to (click HERE for the link). I have been revisiting my roots through my oral traditions and reimagining Latinx futures with the new voices of other BIPOC artists.”

10. What unique or memorable experiences have you had while traveling worldwide to share your music?

“One time we went to a remote place in Europe, and a Venezuelan person in the audience told us they felt they traveled back and visited their happiest memories during our performance. They said, ‘I travel back to my country after 11 years, far from my people, thanks to your music.’ It was memorable to understand the power we have in our hands with the music we play.”

Experience the collaborative future of music with LADAMA. Tickets are only $10 and are available now.

Try Something New with 10x10 Arts Series

Walton Arts Center’s 10x10 Arts Series is curated for the curious and features exciting and innovative art forms, performances and experiences. Designed by our programming team specifically for our unique Northwest Arkansas community, it encourages all of us to dip into a new art form. At just $10 per ticket, the 10x10 Arts Series is the perfect way to explore and try something new.

10x10 performances typically include a post-show creative conversation with the artists so you can learn more about their work and background. Audience members are also encouraged to give their feedback about each performance they attend via a handwritten Post-It note. Notes are collected post show and shared with the artists and the programming team. 

LADAMA

At 7 pm on Thursday, March 30, experience a modern twist on Latin Alternative music with LADAMA, an international collective of women building community through sound. Blending South American and Caribbean styles like cumbia, maracatu, onda nueva and joropo with pop, soul, and R&B, these four women seamlessly create a unique blend of enthralling sound, transporting listeners to a future where the world communicates across continents and cultures through sound and story. 

 

New York Gilbert and Sullivan Player’s The Pirates of Penzance

Join the band of swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling British bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens and the delightfully dotty “model of a modern Major-General” for a rollicking romp over the rocky coast of Cornwall. Presented in its original format at 8 pm on Saturday, April 1, this is your chance to see Gilbert’s incisive wit and Sullivan’s memorable score performed by a full orchestra.  

Duwendé

Kicking off this year’s VoiceJam A Cappella Festival, this award winning six-person ensemble presents a fiercely original take on a vocals-only music. Best known for their upbeat, electrifying bass-and-beatbox-driven funk/pop style, Duwendé gets the crowd on their feet with their exuberant sound, replicating a variety of instruments through their powerful and distinct voices. With ever-growing acclaim and fans all over the globe, Duwendé brings new life to the a cappella genre for contemporary audiences at 8 pm on Friday, April 14.  

 

Visceral Dance Chicago

Visceral Dance Chicago is a contemporary dance company dedicated to a bold and progressive world of movement that challenges audience expectations. In their Northwest Arkansas debut at 7 pm on Thursday, April 20, the company will present a diverse repertoire featuring emerging voices and distinguished, world-renowned choreographers. Named one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch, the company “breathes life into the Chicago arts community with their ability to intertwine complex human emotions with the raw beauty of dance and physical movement,” according to Chicago Stage Standard.

 

Artosphere Festival Orchestra: An Evening of Brahms and Beethoven

Under the direction of Maestro Corrado Rovaris, this performance will honor Johannes Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102 and Ludwig Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral.” This performance at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 16, is a part of the annual Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival, which brings together world-class performers and the Northwest Arkansas community to celebrate and experience art inspired by nature.

A Letter for Elena

As an add-on, this season we’re presenting a $10 show for young theatergoers as part of our Family Fun Series that 10x10 audiences will also love. A Letter for Elena blends theater and dance to showcase the power of words and the complexities of loss. We join three friends, Frank, Lucy and Aïcha, on an emotional and captivating journey of remembrance and love that teaches young audiences about the importance of connection. This performance can also help children and adults start a dialogue around difficult topics, such as grief and loss, but its captivating delivery appeals to audiences of all types. A Letter for Elena comes to Walton Arts Center on Sunday, April 23 at 4pm.  

 

Honoring the Life and Legacy of The King of Soul

“I hope people leave the show with a smile, hope, love and the urge to do more.”

- Bradd Marquis

From the time he exploded onto the entertainment scene at age 19 to his untimely death at only 33 years old, Sam Cooke created the soul music genre and became an inspiration for music and social activism. In addition to being one of the most beloved artists of all time, Cooke advocated cultural pride and created opportunities for people to come together and celebrate love, life and each other. 

Bradd Marquis, a talented songwriter and actor, has created a brand new energetic and touching tribute show that will be at Walton Arts Center on Jan. 30 at 7 pm. He performs as Cooke himself, depicting the life and music of the legend in first person. Marquis, who has been continually creating and adapting this show since 2009, is also joined onstage by a live big band and will perform hits such as “You Send Me,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “Wonderful World” and more.  

Marquis has had a lifelong connection with Cooke. “I realized I knew much of his music instinctively,” Marquis continued. “My grandparents played his music around the house when I was a child. I just wasn't aware of who I was listening to.” Later, when several people mentioned he looked like Cooke, he read Peter Guralnick’s book Dream Boogie, The Triumph of Sam Cooke.  

“My friend loaned me the book, and we listened to Sam Cooke's music all night,” Marquis said. “Everything came full circle in those moments, and I decided to take a deep dive into the life of Sam Cooke, which led to the beginning of this show. The show has taken on many forms over the years and will continue to. I am super proud of what it has evolved into.” 

Tribute shows are a great way to sing along to familiar songs or introduce new audiences to the legacy of a musician. Audiences to The Music of Sam Cook can expect “a history lesson, and if you are already familiar with him, you can expect a nostalgic trip down memory lane,” according to Marquis.  

“There is so much I love about performing this show, and most of it happens off the stage,” said Marquis, who loves to see different generations share the joy of music together. “I hope people leave the show with a smile, hope, love and the urge to do more. The urge to be a beacon of light in their community.”  

From his gospel roots to his pop hits, Cooke’s music paved the way for all genres of music that we know and love today. You have one chance to catch this rip-roaring tribute show on Monday, January 30 at 7 pm. Tickets start at $29.  

 

Get to Know the Artists Behind Time for Three

Standing at the intersection of classical music, Americana and singer-songwriter is Time for Three. Comprised of violinists Charles Yang and Nick Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer on double bass, the trio’s charismatic and energetic performances have earned praise from NPR, NBC and The Wall Street Journal.  

The group will return to Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 pm as part of the Coca-Cola Night Out Series. Ahead of their performance, we asked them some questions about their story and inspiration. 

What is your favorite part of touring and performing?  

Now more than ever in our career, we are a band that loves building community through our music. The act of performing goes much further than just making certain we do justice to the music – which we take very seriously and spend a lot of time preparing and rehearsing.  

When it comes time to be on stage, we use the music to communicate amongst the three of us, but also send the energy into the audience to create that unexplained but felt “X factor” interaction. In the end, we hope that people come away more empathetic and joyful, and if so, all the preparation has been worth our time!  

 
How did the name of your group come about?  

When we started, we were still at music conservatory. At this point, TF3 wasn’t a serious band at all, just a place to jam together and make extra cash. We were on our way to play a gig and about 15 minutes away from the venue, we realized we didn’t have a name.  

We all considered ourselves uniquely on the same page musically, yet we were each distinctly different personalities. So, we thought it would be fun for the emcee of the event to welcome us by saying, “now ladies and gentlemen, it’s Time for Three!” Never did we imagine we’d be a full-time group, and never did we ever think to have such a fulfilling and creative life as we do now!   
 
You have been to Walton Arts Center before, so what are your favorite memories or local places here in Fayetteville?  

We love Fayetteville so much! Really looking forward to being back for the local brews, food and the community there who loves the arts! 

 
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups?  

A good nap, coffee, light snacks and just before walking out, fist bumps with each of us and our tour manager, Dave Ross, without whom we’d be nowhere!  

 
Pick 5 words to best describe your work.  

Heartfelt, joyous, soulful, empathetic and generous  

 
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?  

Currently, we’ve been searching out music from as many living composers as possible. After the success of our last album recorded with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the huge amount of satisfaction that came from bringing new music to life from Jennifer Higdon and Kevin Puts, we are hungry for more collaborations with creators and composers! 

 
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?  

A few highlights would be playing the famous Musikverein in Vienna, Royal Albert Hall in London, Carnegie Hall, our concerts with the Czech Phil and our recording sessions with our beloved Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by our fearless and incredible Maestra, Xian Zhang.  

Don’t miss Time for Three on Jan. 24. Tickets are $18-25.

10 Questions With The Five Browns

The next show in our 10x10 Arts Series is “the biggest classical music sensation in years,” according to The New York Post. The 5 Browns are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find, including a show at Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 8 pm. 

The 5 Browns – Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae – all attended New York’s Juilliard School and became the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously. The quintet enjoyed their first wave of critical attention in February 2002 when People magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” at about the same time they were featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes.  

In keeping with our 10x10 Arts Series, we asked the artists 10 questions ahead of their performance.  

What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?  

“As brothers and sisters, we have loved performing around the world together. There is nothing like the sound of 5 Steinways onstage – our own little orchestra! The opportunity to share our love of classical music and provide a fun experience for families is something we will always cherish. Spend an evening with us exploring a mix of favorites, including Rhapsody in Blue and Star Wars, along with many others we are excited to share with you.” – Deondra 

What message do you hope to send to the world or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?  

"We hope audiences will leave our concerts feeling the same joy for music that my siblings and I experience while we're performing onstage. Some audience members come to a piano concert feeling a little nervous about whether it's going to be stuffy or whether they'll be able to follow the right etiquette. It's important to us to show people that this music is not some museum piece to be intimidated by. Great music stands the test of time because it remains capable of helping us feel joy, excitement, heartbreak, or peace – no matter who we are. We hope our audiences will leave the concert having experienced all of these emotions, but especially joy.” – Gregory 

What is it like being a part of a nearly 20-year legacy? 

“We have been performing together for 18 years, if you can believe it! After all these years we have really streamlined our rehearsal process and learned to treat each other with kindness and patience. Now, when we play together, it feels almost like being home. Being on stage together feels like a safe space.” – Desirae 

What drew you to this performance field?  

“I think a large part of the draw was the opportunity to perform with each other. Classical soloists live a very solitary life, and we're so grateful we get to perform around the world as a group. Not only as just a group of musicians, but as a family that truly are each other's best friends. We love hanging out and have way too much fun on the road. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we need to rehearse or we'll just keep talking and chatting through our allotted rehearsal time!” – Melody 

What are some memorable experiences you’ve had while sharing this performance with others?  

"I think one of the most memorable performances we shared was our debut at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium. We had grown up going to concerts in this iconic hall, so it was stressful, but it was also rewarding to finally get there with one another. After we finished our last bow and realized the performance was a success, we all started jumping up and down, hugging each other and crying. It was such a memorable night.” – Melody 

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

“I have a really hard time starting a concert if my hands are not sufficiently warm. The warmer the better. So, 10 minutes before I walk out onstage, I usually try to soak them in steaming hot water until they've got that red, puffy feeling. If you see me start the concert with pink hands, it's because I have just purposely scalded them.” – Gregory 

“We’re so grateful we get to perform around the world as a group. Not only as just a group of musicians, but as a family that truly are each other’s best friends.”
— Melody, The 5 Browns

Pick 5 words to best describe your work. 

“Passionate, energetic, introspective, joyous, siblings.” – Deondra 

What is the best advice that you have been given? 

“My old teacher Phillip Kawin personalized the famous "practice makes perfect," saying, ‘practice makes better not perfect.’ Along those lines was the idea of working slowly, in small sections first to make sure my brain could process what I was working on in a faster and better way. – Ryan 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to? 

"We all listen to a wide range of genres of music. Anything from pop, rock and indie to jazz and classical. My personal favorite song this year is ‘Can’t Pretend’ by Tom Odell and my favorite albums are Gabrielle Shonk’s 2017 self-named album and Esja by Hania Rani.” – Ryan 

What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?  

"There are so many! Walking the Great Wall of China together, touring Kyoto in Japan and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. These are all unforgettable experiences that we have been able to do together.” – Desirae 

Don’t miss their energetic and joyful performance on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 pm. Tickets are only $10, so grab a few tickets for friends and neighbors too.  

Q&A with Portrait Photographer Andrew Kilgore

Self Portrait

Andrew Kilgore is a photographer from Fayetteville, Ark. Over the course of his 53-year career, Kilgore has taken over 750,000 images, capturing the lives of those who are “unseen” in society and the underrepresented diversity of those who live in Arkansas. Kilgore will be awarded the 2023 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in March at a ceremony in Little Rock.  

Walton Arts Center will showcase his career and the advocacy of his portraits in the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery January 6 to March 19. We sat down with him ahead of the 100 Photographs by Andrew Kilgore exhibition opening to ask some of our most pressing questions. 

 

What can guests expect when they come to see 100 Photographs by Andrew Kilgore in the Joy Pratt Markham gallery? 

Well, obviously 100 photographs. And, I hope the photographs will move viewers to a deep sense of connection with their fellow beings.  

What messages do you hope audiences leave with after they see your work?  

That even if they are in their most vulnerable and scared moments, they’re not alone. That we are all connected, that we’re all part of one loving, aware, being. 

What is your favorite image from the 100 Photographs in the gallery? 

I could never pick just one. I love them all.  

What drew you to photography as an art form? 

The fact that I couldn’t draw. I wanted to be an artist, and I thought I would never be able to be one until I discovered that a camera worked as well as a brush or pencil in creating art. Then I was all set and ready to roll.  

Do you have any rituals or processes that guide your work?  

Sunrise, 1970

I meditate between an hour and two hours every day, and that experience of silence and stillness is the source from which all my creativity comes. So, I would say that the meditation that I do is very important. I love to talk to people, and I always start any session by talking for a while with my subjects.  People say, “Oh you do that to make better photographs,” and I always respond, “No, I photograph people so that I get to talk to them. I don’t talk to them so I can make better photographs of them.”  

Pick three words to best describe your work.  

Oh that’s hard. Real. Personal. Loving.  

What is the best advice that you have been given? 

When I was just starting out, I had a professional photographer look at my work, and he said there’s no real black tonalities in my images. I realized that I was not using the full range of tonalities that were available to me as a photographer, and that inspired me to become an infinitely better printer.  

Which artists have inspired you throughout your life and why? 

Photographer Gene Smith, because of the compassion and love that he poured into his photography of people. Richard Avedon, because of his incredible craftsmanship and Irving Penn, because of his wonderful way of approaching all kinds of people from all over the world and making photographs of people that just jumped off the page.  

How have you used photography to advocate for others?  

I’ve done a lot of exhibitions that were sponsored by or I partnered with advocacy organizations that worked with diverse populations of people. I have really loved doing work that starts with the best advocacy themes.  

The free exhibition will be open 10 am - 2 pm on weekdays January 6 through March 19. The Joy Pratt Markham Gallery also opens one hour prior to performances and during intermission. There will be an audio component to the exhibition, curated by KUAF Public Radio. 

The exhibition will feature 100 portraits of Arkansans selected by guest curator Kathy P. Thompson from Kilgore's archive of over 750,000 images. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Our exhibition underwriters are Hershey and Denise Garner. Framing donated by Aaron Randall of Frame Fayetteville.  

Tickets make a great gift for everyone on your list

Walton Arts Center makes shopping for holiday gifts easy with a ticket that’s just right for everyone on your list, from children’s shows to jazz, comedians and everything in-between. There has never been a better time to gift an experience, especially a ticket to a thrilling and unforgettable show. These experiences will not collect dust, rather, they will inspire memories that will live on for decades.  

There are lots of ways to give and save. If you purchase tickets to three or more shows at the same time – for you or as gifts – you can save with a Create Your Own Subscription offer. Gift certificates are also available, totally customizable and valid for shows at both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Don’t forget to reserve and pay for parking ahead of time too!  

For Music Lovers 

Audiences at the Time For Three concert will hear various eras, styles and traditions of classical music, blended with western traditions and vocals.

Time For Three hosts an unforgettable genre-shattering performance full of energy, mastery and personality. The electrifying trio returns to Northwest Arkansas at 7 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 24, and promises to seamlessly combine classical, bluegrass, jazz, pop and more.

Spend an evening with one of the most popular and beloved artists of all time with The Music of Sam Cooke - The King of Soul on Monday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm. Performing hits such as “You Send Me” and “Wonderful World,” Bradd Marquis pays homage to the legendary American icon.

LADAMA, an international collective of women, seamlessly blends four languages, pop music, percussion and vocals to create a brand new engaging performance. This talented ensemble will perform Thursday, March 30 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $10. So, grab a few for teacher gifts, neighbor gifts or a thank you for your babysitter! 

For Theater Lovers 

Tootsie was called “the laugh-out-loud funniest musical of the season” by Rolling Stones and “the most uproarious new musical in years” by Hollywood Reporter.

“It’s impossible not to laugh” when watching Menopause the Musical, according to The New York Times. Set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and 80’s, this musical parody celebrates sisterhood, hot flashes and night sweats. There is only one chance to see this show on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 pm.

Tootsie, the next installment of the Procter & Gamble Broadway Series, will be bringing its unique brand of musical comedy to Baum Walker Hall for eight performances Jan. 17-22. If the name Tootsie sounds familiar, it is for good reason. Tootsie is based on the 1982 Dustin Hoffman movie and is a hilarious love letter to the ups and downs of a career in theater.  

Spend the evening with bohemians and aristocrats in a world of splendor, romance, glitz and grandeur when Moulin Rouge! The Musical takes the stage for 14 performances February 9-19. With mesmerizing choreography, glamorous visuals, and direction from some of the best minds in theater, the adaptation has won 10 Tony Awards®, including best musical.  

For Comedy Lovers: 

For 25 years, David Sedaris has charmed audiences with his sometimes neurotic and seemingly mundane, yet profound storytelling.

This season features a laugh-out-loud lineup of comedians, who are each set to bring their signature humor to Northwest Arkansas.

Internet-viral comedian, John Crist, performs Sunday, March 19, at 7 pm with his family-friendly Emotional Support Tour. Drawing upon his upbringing in a Christian family in the south, he is widely known for viral videos like “Honest Football Coach” and “Every Parent at Disney.”

Sedaris is one of the greatest humorists writing today and is a fan favorite, returning to Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, April 25 at 7 pm. Beloved for his personal conversational essays, short stories and NPR segments, the three-time Grammy Award® nominee’s anecdotes are riddled with strange addictions, unbelievable job experiences and his eccentric family.

Named “One of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time,” by Rolling Stone, Tig Notaro, will take the stage with her delightfully absurd, monumentally serious storytelling on Friday, June 23, at 8 pm. 

For the Kids 

With moo-sical stars like Chickee Minaj and Dairy Parton, Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie is sure to delight viewers of all ages!

Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie, featuring Dairy Parton and Chickee Minaj, will bring a favorite children’s book to life on Sunday, March 5 at 4 pm. This show is based on two beloved children’s books by Kwame Alexander. Give the books along with tickets to the show for a complete experience!

The Jungle Book is an enchanting ballet-adaptation by Trike Theatre, Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation and the Dhirana Dance Academy of the classic story at 4 pm on Saturday, March 25.

And finally who doesn’t love everyone’s favorite underdog story? Annie, will delight audiences May 5-7. These shows are sure to entertain children and adults alike!  

Don’t see the perfect ticket in this gift guide? Take a look at our calendar to find a show and a ticket price that is just right.

'Tis the Season For holiday shows and events

Whether you are looking for a traditional or a non-traditional holiday night out and everything in-between, there is no place like Walton Arts Center for the holidays. This season is packed with shows and holiday fun that everyone can enjoy with a mix of live music, theatrical presentations, film screenings and more.  

If you are looking for a more non-traditional holiday show you can spend it with the Million Dollar Quartet: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. The music icons come together at Sun Records to play holiday favorites with a rock and roll twist. Million Dollar Quartet Christmas will have everyone rockin’ around the Christmas tree for three performances Dec. 2-3.

The Swingles holiday tour takes the stage on Sunday, Dec. 4. at 4 pm, and it promises to be a festive and joyful event. Known as masters of their craft, the Grammy®-winning a cappella group has been captivating audiences with their innovation and mastery for nearly six decades. It’s the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy holiday classics performed by one of the world’s most admired vocal groups. Presented as part of our 10x10 Arts Series, all tickets are only $10. 

A beloved holiday tradition continues when Walton Arts Center and Symphony of Northwest Arkansas present The Snowman: A Family Concert at 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 11. SoNA will perform the original score live alongside a screening of the beloved movie. Afterward, acclaimed Music Director Paul Haas will lead the audience in a lively holiday sing-a-long. Tickets are $10. 

Country music icon, Martina McBride will celebrate the music and the magic of the holiday season when she performs The Joy of Christmas Tour at Baum Walker Hall on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm.  McBride is celebrating 12 years of The Joy of Christmas Tour, calling the 2022 version of the tour “the best one yet.”

Also don’t miss Winter Nights at Walton Arts Center a new holiday experience for the whole family. Starting Thursday, Dec. 1, the Bradberry Amphitheater & Rose Garden and Joy Pratt Markham Gallery will be decked with silver bells, frosty firs and snowy scenes. The space is open to the public 5-11 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Friday, Dec. 23. Free walk-up seating, reservable firepits for $25 and snow globes for $50 are available. Drop in for a festive drink, snack or photo op. 

Groups of 10+ get discounts on most tickets at Walton Arts Center, so you can purchase tickets as a group and rent one of our festive event spaces to host a preshow or post-show reception. Our event spaces are also available for holiday rentals on non-production nights, providing the perfect space for work parties, family get-togethers and more!  

This year, introduce your family and friends to the magic of a beloved holiday tradition or start a new tradition. Tickets and information about these shows and events are available at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office weekdays 10 am-5 pm at 479.443.5600. 

What's the Rumpus? It's Gaelic Storm on Tour!

From jam sessions in a small pub, to performing in a blockbuster film and touring more than 200 days every year, Gaelic Storm is well into their 20-year career and is nowhere near slowing down. The Irish rock juggernaut has 13 celebrated albums to their name, more than 3,000 shows under their belt and massive success on the Billboard charts.  

Gaelic Storm kicked off their career in 1996 as a pub band in Santa Monica, California. The band’s first exposure arrived before they had even recorded their first album, appearing as the “steerage band” entertaining passengers in the massive 1997 blockbuster Titanic. Their original song, “Irish Party in Third Class,” featured on the Titanic Motion Picture Soundtrack is RIAA Diamond® Certified. They were widely embraced by the time they released their self-named album a year later.  

In the 20 years that followed, they have topped the Billboard World Music chart six times. They proved to be a popular touring act and quickly followed up with a pair of albums: 1999's Herding Cats and 2001's Tree. By the time they released their fourth studio album, How Are We Getting Home? in 2004, they became a chart success as well, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard World Music chart. Gaelic Storm's next two releases, Bring Yer Wellies in 2006 and What's the Rumpus? in 2008, fared even better, reaching No. 2 and No. 1, respectively. 

Gaelic Storm has headlined at some of the world’s largest Celtic and Irish festivals in America and Europe including Milwaukee Irish fest, Dublin Irish Fest in Ohio, Festival Interceltique De Lorient in France and Festival Ortigueira in Spain. Other notable major performances include Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, Summer Camp Music Festival in Illinois, Wakarusa right here in Arkansas. Gaelic storm also recorded “Scallywag” in “simlish” for the EA Game Sims2.  

The band attributes their success to their dedicated audiences, who come from any and all music genres. Country music lovers, bluegrass fans and Celtic traditionalists can all find an unexpected home in Gaelic Storm. The innovative group seamlessly blends Irish and Scottish traditional fare, drinking songs, beautiful folk songs and playful originals, resulting in more than 250 million streams on all platforms.  

On Go Climb a Tree, co-founders Steve Twigger and Patrick Murphy, along with longtime friend and co-writer Steve Wehmever, are again at the helm of song-writing duties. The album has everything – party drinking songs (“The Beer Song”), patriotic anthems (“Green, White and Orange”), beautiful folk songs (“Monday Morning Girl”), spritely instrumentals (“The Night of Tomfoolery”), perfectly poppy songs (“Shine On”), and even a raucous pirate song (“Shanghai Kelly”). When speaking of the overall concept of the album, Murphy gives some insight, “With all the craziness and division in the world, we wanted to make an album about ‘contemplative escapism.’ Go Climb a Tree certainly isn’t about dropping out of the conversation, it’s just about taking a short hiatus to recharge the batteries before you take on the world again.” 

Now comprised of Murphy, Twigger, Ryan Lacey, Peter Purvis and Natalya Kay, the group is thrilled to tour again after a few years of worldwide challenges. The affectionately named We Missed You Tour is set to stop in Northwest Arkansas in just two weeks. 

Gaelic storm is 20 years into its successful career, yet in their own words, they “grow stronger after each performance.” Click here to listen to Gaelic Storm on Spotify and don’t miss it when the Irish rock juggernaut takes the stage at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 15. Tickets start at under $20 and are on sale now at waltonartscenter.org. 

Representation Matters: Reflecting on LGBTQ+ History and the Theater

“Give in to love or live in fear.”

- RENT

October is LGBTQ+ History Month and at Walton Arts Center we are reflecting on the historic beauty, diversity and progress of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities. Since the first march for gay rights in Washington DC in 1979, the month-long celebration has grown to encompass Ally Week, National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and Spirit Day on Oct. 20.  

Walton Arts Center welcomes LGBTQ+ artists, musicians, actors, dancers and comedians year-round, and during LGBTQ+ History Month, we are looking back on the shows and artists who have brought their stories and experiences to our stage.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots, which performed to sold-out audiences at Walton Arts Center in 2015, is the story of an Englishman who struggles to save his family-run shoe factory from closure. An unexpected call from a woman who runs a shop specializing in drag queen glamour wear convinces him to try a line of women’s shoes in men’s sizes. He develops his line of “kinky boots” under the brand name “Divine Footwear,” and a business partnership flourishes. 

Actor J. Harrison Ghee, who played Lola on the national tour, commented in an interview with BUILD Series that his favorite part of the show was “the feedback from parents and kids. Because of the show, a child decides to come out to their family … now we can have a conversation and can understand where to begin because of Kinky Boots.” Kinky Boots shows audiences that when you change your mind about someone, you can change the whole world. 

"Love Can Tell a Million Stories,” declares Falsettos, the heartwarming and poignant musical about the infinite possibilities of a modern family. The story revolves around the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin, his wife, his lover, about-to-be-Bar-Mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist and the lesbians next door.  

Falsettos takes place during the early days of the AIDS crisis. It asks audiences around the country to “think about their actions and have more respect for the battle toward equality that LGBTQ people have had to fight across generations,” said award-winning choreographer Spencer Liff. Falsettos teched and launched their national tour from Walton Arts Center in 2019. 

“Love can tell a million stories.”

- Falsettos

Other groundbreaking Broadway shows to visit Walton Arts Center include RENT, Cabaret, A Chorus Line, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening. But LGBTQ+ artists go beyond Broadway. This season, we welcome a contemporary dance company and several comedians to our stage to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ+ experience.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7pm, the famed social commentator, social satirist and self-identifying lesbian, Fran Lebowitz promises to bring an evening of long-awaited, engaging conversation to the Walton Arts Center stage. This show was rescheduled from 2021, so limited tickets remain! 

Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s STAR DUST: From Bach to Bowie pays homage to queer music icon David Bowie on Thursday, March 16, at 7 pm. Billboard called the glam rock-inspired dance spectacular a “bold and utterly transfixing love letter to Bowie,” whose gender-bending performances and advocacy for gay rights inspired generations of lesbian, gay and transgender people. 

David Sedaris will return for his fourth performance on Tuesday, April 25 at 7pm. The author, comedian and five-time Grammy nominee has captivated audiences for decades, often challenging them to find humor in both the mundane and the eccentric. Many of Sedaris’ writings and anecdotes deal with his experiences growing up and living as a gay man, and his relationships with family members and his husband.  

Later this season, one of Rolling Stone’s best stand-up comics of all time, GLAAD award winner Tig Notaro will share her effortlessly funny storytelling with Northwest Arkansas audiences during PRIDE week. Notaro’s subject matter ranges from worldly observations, her wife and kids, health stories (Notaro is a cancer-survivor) and “general nonsense.” 

When it comes to representation, theater is often at the forefront, and while there is still much to be done to advocate equality and inclusion, many LGBTQ+ artists have found a home on the stage. Vulnerable to censorship and persecution, LGBTQ+ artists have risked everything to exist throughout history. But when LGBTQ+ stories are shared, perspectives are widened. When all people feel included, our Northwest Arkansas community becomes a better place. We are dedicated to sharing these stories here at Walton Arts Center.  

“As we travel on, love is what we will remember.” - A Chorus Line

Staff Recommendations: Try These for a Fun Night Out

With a season full of stand-out shows, it can be hard to decide which ones you just can’t miss. That’s why we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) to recommend some of the performances they are most excited about this new season. This is part two - shows that we recommend for a memorable night out! To see part one, click here!

Amazing Music

When I was President of the Mann Center, the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, two members of Time for Three stepped in to save a sold-out performance after we lost power due to a nearby lightning strike. The sold-out audience of 8,000 came to hear the magnificent Philadelphia Orchestra perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and with only a backup generator running, our options were limited to one microphone and a few speakers. Fortunately, Raanan Meyer on bass and Zack DePue on violin offered up their services, and dazzled the audience with their virtuosic take on old tunes, bluegrass classics and classical gems.  

Their performance lasted nearly 45-minutes while the singers, orchestra members and choir members waited patiently for the full power to be restored – which never happened. Although we never heard Beethoven that evening, we realized we had witnessed a special, albeit unexpected evening of joyous music making that left us thrilled and wanting more.   

I always wonder how good the show would have been with full power and the third member of their trio!

Peter B. Lane, President and CEO

Date Night Pick

STAR DUST: From Bach to Bowie had me hooked just from the name! If you are not familiar with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, they are a phenomenal ballet company formed by two Alvin Ailey alumni with a singular approach to reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. From Bach to Bowie is a two-shows-in-one tribute to artists who managed to create their own musical hemispheres. Bach 25, set to the music of Johann Sebastian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, is an exploration of love and alliances, perfectly merging contemporary dance with ballet technique. Then, after intermission, Star Dust features Bowie’s most iconic hits in a spectacular dance extravaganza with glam-rock inspired costumes. Hello, date night? Two tickets, please!      

Rachel Burkevich, Programming Specialist

Girls Night Out - Culture Night Out

For my second pick (Rachel couldn’t just pick one!), I have to recommend this incredible, multi-disciplined, multi-cultural group, LADAMA. This a Latin alternative band consists of four musician/activists who originate from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the U.S. Their music fuses sounds from South America and the Caribbean with soul, R&B and pop. I’m calling this one a “don’t miss” not only because their sound is gorgeously innovative, but also because their mission is to empower women and girls through voice, percussion and movement. Perfect for a girls night out! Plus, LADAMA is part of our 10X10 Arts Series, meaning tickets are only $10, so you’ll have plenty of money to get some drinks at concessions! Cheap tickets, Latin music AND female empowerment? Yes, please! (Speaking of Latin music and female empowerment – also be sure to check out Aida Cuevas on Oct. 20.)

Can’t-Miss Comedy

Last, but absolutely not least (still Rachel!), I am picking Tig Notaro for a perfect night of comedy. Tig is known mostly for her deadpan comedy and hilarious stories about her wife, twin sons and cat named Fluff. She is a favorite on numerous talk shows and has been nominated for a WGA, a Critic’s Choice Award, two GLAAD Awards and two Grammy Awards. Her memoir, I’m Just a Person, is a New York Times Bestseller. This show is during 2023 NWA Pride and is sure to be popular, so get your tickets now before they are sold out!

Rachel Burkevich, Programming Specialist

Purchase tickets for these others shows on our 2022/23 season now!

Helping Shows Hit the Road: Legally Blonde The Musical

America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge as Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Walton Arts Center for four shows only Oct. 14-16. The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde the Musical takes you from a UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice with a timely coming of age story of Broadway’s brightest heroine.

Based on the beloved movie, the contemporary, sassy musical also follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

The tour isn’t just making a stop at Walton Arts Center, it will be holding technical rehearsals and launching a national tour from Northwest Arkansas. “Teching” is when all of the actors, designers, creatives and crew put the technical elements of the show in place, including sets, lights, costumes and the orchestra, to prepare a show for its life on the road.

Other shows that got their start at Walton Arts Center include: A Chorus Line (2002, 2022), The Music Man (Fall 2002), The Graduate (2004), BLAST (2005), AIDA (2006), The Wedding Singer (2009), Blue Man Group (2010), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (2017), The Lightning Thief (2019), Falsettos (2019) and Blue Man Group Speechless (2019).

The process cannot be completed without a rehearsal space. It requires a full-scale theater and a live audience to get the show ready. Watching and listening to the reactions of the first audiences gives the artistic staff information about the parts of the show that need a bit more work. These initial performances are an integral part of the theatrical process and one in which few audiences are able to participate.

We typically choose to tech outside of large metro areas for the community vibes,” said Sophie Whitfield, associate general manager and associate producer with Big League Productions. Big League teched A Chorus Line at Walton Arts Center in Summer 2022 and is bringing Legally Blonde The Musical this fall. “We get great reception from local vendors, and we love getting to know the city we tech in. Fayetteville has so much to offer and we are excited to get to go back!”

Producers looking to tech and mount a tour view Walton Arts Center as a resource, which speaks volumes about the organization’s reputation in the industry. Teching is also a huge benefit to the economy of the region. When a cast and crew of 25-75 spends two weeks in town, they are supporting hotels, restaurants, hardware stores, yoga studios, coffee shops and more while they are here.

Walton Arts Center has helped 13 Broadway-sized shows launch both national and international tours since 1997 and is excited to help Legally Blonde the Musical get ready for its US tour.

Be the first to see Broadway’s brightest and most fabulous heroine!

Hispanic Heritage: More Than Just a Month-Long Celebration

Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, communities gather to honor the beauty, legacy and contributions of Hispanic culture around the world. Here at Walton Arts Center, we are excited to celebrate Hispanic and Latin-American artists this season through our Mosaix program initiative. 

Aida Cuevas, the Queen of Mariachi, is celebrating 45 years on tour with her new tour Yo Creo Que Es Tiempo, featuring the Mariachi Aztlan.

Mosiax programs are a collection of concerts and arts experiences curated to celebrate the cultural “tiles” that come together to make up Northwest Arkansas. Mosaix was first launched in 2020 as a stand-alone festival highlighting a single culture through art and performances. Since then, Mosaix has transitioned to a year-round celebration with performances spread throughout the season that represent the many diverse cultures present in NWA. This year, we are showcasing performances from Latin American cultures. 

Walton Arts Center is bringing “the very best of Mexico’s music” to Northwest Arkansas - perfect timing as a finale for Hispanic Heritage Month. We are thrilled to welcome Aida Cuevas on Thursday, Oct. 20. With a 46-year career that spans both traditional mariachi and Latin genres, and more than 40 albums, she is considered one of Mexico’s most prolific and important female voices.  

Among her many accolades, Cuevas was the first female singer in the mariachi category to win a Grammy®. She also has a Latin Grammy®, as well as 11 nominations for the best mariachi/ranchero album category. She masterfully encapsulates the voice of her beautiful country and honors its history and traditions, while breaking barriers and forging a path forward. 

Cuevas’ performance is also a part of the 10x10 Arts series, a collection of 10 performances chosen to encourage and expand awareness of diverse cultures. All shows in this series are just $10.  

The Edward Simon Trio is honoring female Latin songwriters in Femeninas: The Songs of Latin American Women.

Your exploration of Hispanic and Latin American art can continue throughout the Walton Arts Center season.  

On Friday, Dec. 16, the Edward Simon Trio will present Femeninas: The Songs of Latin American Women. The show highlights female songwriters from Chile, Cuba, Argentina and Brazil. The group will be joined by award-winning Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera and percussionist Luis Quintero. Music starts at 7:30 pm, and tickets range from $33-53.  

Rarely can you see films made by independent filmmakers locally, and it’s even more rare to see works by independent filmmakers of Hispanic origin. Now you can. Join us for a mini film festival at Walton Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 13, featuring films by Central and South American independent filmmakers. Titles are selected by the Fayetteville Film Fest and will be announced soon. Tickets are just $15.  

Chick Corea Afro-Caribbean Experience with Elio Villafranca & Friends will bring a distinctly Latin flavor to their jazz performance on Friday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 pm. Jazz icon Chick Corea passed away in 2020, but his inspired music lives on through Villafranca and the international and intergenerational artists coming to Starr Theater for this show. Tickets are $33-53. 

Experience LADAMA, an international collective of women building community through sound, when they perform on Thursday, March 30. Patrons can expect to hear original pop music in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The show starts at 7 pm and tickets are $10. LADAMA is also a part of the 10x10 Arts Series.  

These artists have left incredible impact on Hispanic music and culture. Similarly, Hispanic culture has left an undeniably rich and meaningful impact on Northwest Arkansas. Through the Mosaix initiative and the annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope to encourage a deeper cultural richness within our community that comes from understanding and welcoming diversity.  

Don’t limit your celebration of Hispanic culture to just one month. Explore the beauty, joy and traditions throughout the season at Walton Arts Center!

Staff Recommendations: Shows for Families with Kids of All Ages

Sometimes when you look at the season listing for Walton Arts Center, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many shows, and they all look so good. We can help!

We’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) to recommend their favorite shows or some of the performances they are most excited about in the new season. Here’s part 1 with recommendations for shows families with kids of all ages.

Shows for Families with Older Kids

Recommended for ages 10+

I am excited to bring my family to see Spamilton: An American Parody! It combines two of our favorite things: musical theater and comedy. Since we just saw Hamilton this past year, it’s the perfect follow-up show! But it’s not just for Hamilton fans - it’s full of Broadway references, parody songs and jokes. If you have teens and tweens who love theater and laughing, don’t miss this show.

Jill Suel, Sr. Director, Marketing and Sales

I am looking forward to taking my boys to see The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ The Pirates of Penzance. This show is a can’t-miss classic for kids because it’s hilarious and includes lots of impressive songs with fast vocals, like “Modern Major General,” that they will appreciate. Plus, there are beautiful operatic moments. It just has it all! The movie version starring Kevin Kline Linda Ronstadt was one of my all-time favorites growing, up so this is a nostalgic one for me.  

The 10x10 Arts Series is a no-brainer for families because of the programming diversity and the price. For only $10 a ticket, you can expose your children to the classics, like The Pirates of Penzance, and also see concerts from a variety of genres and cultures (see: Aida Cuevas, LADAMA and Duwende) and cool modern performances like Visceral Dance Chicago - all in a single series.

Heather Holland, Creative Director

Shows for Families with Younger Kids

Photo by Darren Thomas

I'm looking forward to the Kellogg’s Kids Series shows because my kids will love them all, particularly Bluey’s Big Play, coming Dec. 20-21! We watch “Bluey” everyday on TV, and to see the characters live will light up their little faces. I can count on Bluey to show my kids creative play using imagination, how to deal with some big feelings and family fun. 

Sara Broome Jones, Learning Programs and Festivals Specialist

I’m very excited for Winnie The Pooh! I missed the show when it opened off-Broadway last year, but I am thrilled it’s touring the country. Those characters are ingrained in my childhood, and I can’t wait for my 2 year old to see it as his first live theatrical production. To see him connect with those characters who meant so much to me as a child (especially Tigger!) will be the ultimate reward. The puppetry looks terrific, and the storytelling will no doubt be wonderful. Adults will be able to rekindle their relationships with Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit and Eeyore, and kids will form new connections. For these to be live characters, as opposed to cartoons on a screen, is just the honey on top!

Curt Owens, Director of Programming

Purchase tickets for these others shows on our 2022-23 season now!