The sixth annual arts festival is almost here!
Acansa Arts Festival is officially set for Sept. 13-28 — spanning the course of three weekends. The fest is filled with a wide variety of performances including everything from contemporary dance and standup comedy to a string quartet and one of Tennesse Williams’ masterpieces.
Ahead of Acansa, we’ve decided to map out a few of the can’t-miss events happening throughout the fest.
Gina Chavez
Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.
The Rail Yard
Texas native Gina Chavez is a 10-time Austin Music Award winner. She’s also been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk with more than half a million views, has been on frequent tours as a cultural ambassador with the U.S. State Department and was named an official 2018 SXSW artist for the fifth year in a row with her six-piece band. The talented songstress sings from the heart and her latest EP “Lightbeam” features five unapologetically personal tracks about love, beauty, faith and sacrifice.
Tenors Unlimited
Friday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m.
Ron Robinson Theater
These aren’t your grandparents’ tenors. Tenors Unlimited — comprised of Scott Ciscon (tenor), Paul Martin (bass-baritone) and Jem Sharples (tenor) — bring their own take on the popular classical genre and expand the perception of what a 21st century “tenor” could be. The group has performed with the likes of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sting, Katherine Jenkins and Lionel Richie and will be bringing their talents to central Arkansas for Acansa.
BODYTRAFFIC
Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater
BODYTRAFFIC is a world-class contemporary dance company based out of L.A. It’s known for its contagious vivacity and high-caliber work. Founded in 2007, BODYTRAFFIC continues to push boundaries through its deep commitment to producing acclaimed works by distinct choreographic voices including McArthur Fellow Kyle Abraham, Stijn Celis, Barak Marshall, Ohad Naharin, Matthew Neenan, Arthur Pita, Victor Quijada, Hofesh Shechter, Richard Siegal and many more incredible choreographers.
Dallas String Quartet
Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater
The Dallas String Quartet provides a unique fusion of classical and contemporary music on both traditional and electric strings. In addition to four studio albums and international performances, the Dallas String Quartet has played “at home” for Presidents Obama and Bush, the College Football Playoff, NBA and NFL.
Head to Acansa’s website to purchase tickets or find out more about what’s in store for the coming weeks.
For the full lineup of Acansa performances, check out our festival breakdown.