Season And Series Satisfy 10X10 ARTS SERIES

Walton Arts Center overflows with entertainment

The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville announced its full 2017-18 season at the end of June, offering eight collections of diverse programming in addition to the Broadway Series that begins Oct. 3. The 2017-18 season will be the first nonabbreviated season in several years following the expansion and renovation that now enables the center to utilize both its performance spaces at the same time. Create-your-own subscriptions and several ticket packages are available for purchase already at 443-5600 or waltonartscenter. org, and individual tickets for most performances go on sale Aug. 7.

AMERICAN MUSIC SERIES

Opening the season on Sept. 19 will be two legendary blues artists, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo,’ joining together on stage as part of the American Music Series. The series sees several acclaimed musicians returning to Baum Walker Hall and two new faces: Although LeAnn Rimes and Charlie Daniels have both played the area, neither has performed on the WAC stage before.

Sept. 19 — TajMo: The Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Band with special guest Black Pacific

“These guys have known each other for decades,” says WAC public relations director Jennifer Wilson. “Taj actually played a role in Keb’ getting his first recording deal, but this is really the first time they’ve joined forces.” Wilson and WAC director of programming Jennifer Ross both express excitement over two generations of blues icons opening the season.

Oct. 18 — Jake Shimabukuro “Some of the songs he plays on his uke are just amazing, because I can’t fathom how he gets that sort of sound out of his instrument, but it’s thrilling,” Ross gushes of the international ukulele player. Dec. 12 — LeAnn Rimes

May 10 — Charlie Daniels Band

WEST STREET LIVE

In its second year, the West Street Live series transforms Starr Theatre into an intimate club atmosphere with cabaret tables and small acts — solo, duo and trio performances — as an addition to the downtown live music scene. “Brian Crowne and I co-curate the series and we’re trying to offer a range of experiences to music lovers who are a little bit curious about things they may not have heard of before,” Ross reveals. “From Hot Club of Cowtown — sort of western-swing meets gypsy-jazz — to Susan Werner who is a singer/songwriter and sort of writes on the edge, to John McEuen, whom everyone has known for years from his work with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, we look for shows that run the gamut.”

Tickets start at $30

Sept. 28 — Hot Club of Cowtown Oct. 19 — Joe Ely Acoustic

Nov. 9 — Susan Werner Trio

Feb. 3 — John McEuen & Friends: Will The Circle Be Unbroken

March 1 — Raul Midón

March 31 — An Evening with Peter Yarrow

“Peter, Paul & Mary is music I grew up listening to because my parents listened to it, and I’ve always been in love with it,” Ross shares enthusiastically. “I’m really excited to bring Peter Yarrow for that intimate experience.”

One of the WAC’s most popular series is designed to bring people through the doors for the first time as well as experience art forms they might not otherwise consider at a higher ticket price. The 10x10 Arts Series presents 10 performances of varying mediums for $10 each and includes a pre-show “Creative Conversation” with the artists, as well as a post-show party. “It has a

COURTESY PHOTO The first performance of the 10x10 Arts Series is Ballet Arkansas’ “Emergence.” The state’s renowned professional ballet company presents a program featuring a work set to the music of Johnny Cash, as well as the world premiere from the winner of the...