The first-ever Acansa Arts Festival is finally here. The five day event will offer 26 performances spread out over 17 venues in central Arkansas.
The goal of this groundbreaking festival is to inspire public appreciation for the arts and enrich the economic and cultural vitality of central Arkansas. Read more about this unique collaboration that will bring leading Arkansas arts organizations – visual, musical and performing – together for the first time here.
During the next week, enjoy concerts, workshops, poetry readings and gallery viewings. Here’s a complete look at the schedule of events. Also note that each event offers various ticket options. We’ve broken down the ticket structure below.
Festival Schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23:
The festival opens with a cocktail reception at the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady of Arkansas, Ginger Beebe, will host and welcome guests to enjoy cocktails and heavy appetizers from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Presenting artist, Matt McLeod, will also finish a painting to be auctioned during the event. Music will be provided by The Muse Project. Click here for more info.
Wednesday, Sept. 24:
Central Arkansas’s Own: The Arkansas Chamber Singers, Opera in the Rock, and The Muses will perform in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
In Conjunction with Acansa: Museum of Discovery’s “Science After Dark: Science After Dark provides visitors the opportunity to have fun and learn about science in a unique setting.
When: 6:00 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m.
Where: Museum of Discovery, 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
It Goes Without Saying: Compared to the work of David Sedaris, Claudia Shear and Augustin Burroughs, It Goes Without Saying is a uniquely crafted autobiographical tour-de-force in which Bill Bowers shares funny, heartbreaking, and unbelievable true stories from his career as an actor and mime, and his life-long exploration of the role silence plays in all our lives. **VIP option.
When: 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium, 700 Scott Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Keeping on the Southern Side: The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will present a variety of small ensembles at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. This “Informance” includes the ASO Brass Quintet, a solo by the ASO violin and strings, a Little Rock premiere for the oboe and clarinet, as well as dueling banjos. **VIP option.
When: 7:00 p.m to 9 p.m.
Where: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week, daily one hour programs will include educational opportunities on various art forms. There is no cost and attendees are encouraged to brown bag. Wednesday, Chris James, Arkansas native and member of the Foreign Tongues Poetry Troupe, will be presenting about his career as a spoken word poet. Chris will perform his original spoken word and share information about his upcoming ventures.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Central Arkansas Library – Main Branch, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Poet in Copper: Engravings by Evan Lindquist : Evan Lindquist was selected by Gov. Mike Beebe as the first Artist Laureate of Arkansas 2013 – 2017. He creates original prints in his private studio in Jonesboro.
When: 5:30 p.m to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Arkansas Arts Center, 501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Thursday, Sept. 25:
Gallery Hop: Starting at the Arkansas Arts Center, participants may hop on and off trolleys to visit various local galleries in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Beer, wine and catering provided by Simply the Best will be available and free at the Art’s Center before boarding the trolley. Cheers to that! Participating galleries include: The Art Group Gallery, Cantrell Gallery, Greg Thompson Fine Art, Hearne Fine Art Gallery, M2 Gallery, Gallery 221, L & L Beck Art Gallery, Local Colour Gallery, Matt McLeod Fine Art, Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery, The Edge Gallery, The Hot Springs Art Group, Argenta Gallery and Boswell Mourot Fine Art.
When: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Various galleries throughout Little Rock and North Little Rock (see above)
More Info: Click here.
Hector Olivera: Hector Olivera is one of the most sought after international concert organists of the present time. He is a passionate, gifted and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world.
When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 North Mississippi, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
It Goes Without Saying: Compared to the work of David Sedaris, Claudia Shear and Augustin Burroughs, It Goes Without Saying is a uniquely crafted autobiographical tour-de-force in which Bill Bowers shares funny, heartbreaking, and unbelievable true stories from his career as an actor and mime, and his life-long exploration of the role silence plays in all our lives. **Student option.
When: 7:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium, 700 Scott Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, daily one hour programs will include educational opportunities on various art forms. There is no cost and attendees are encouraged to brown bag. Anita Davis, owner of Esse Purse Musuem, will discuss art displayed at the Bernice Garden, which features permanent and temporary sculptures created by Arkansas artists. Mosaics, rock formations, hand-crafted signage and additional art installations add to the development plan for the space.
When: 12:00 p.m to 1 p.m.
Where: Bernice Garden, 1401 South Main Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Disfarmer : Don’t miss this production of Disfarmer, written by award-winning Arkansas playwright Werner Trieschmann and directed by Bob Hupp of The Rep. “Disfarmer” is a comedic portrait which tells the story of Mike Disfarmer, an eccentric photographer from Heber Springs who charged townsfolk and visitors a quarter to have their picture taken in the early forties—and caused a minor speculative mania decades later as New York gallery owners “discovered” his work and descended on the small Arkansas town.
There is an exhibit, a performance and book signing taking place Thursday through Saturday. Click here to check the complete schedule of events for Disfarmer including ticket information. **VIP and Student Option
Friday, Sept. 26:
Acansa Late Night I: Bat-or-Kalo Trio, Bat-or-Kalo Trio is a rock and R&B tinged blues band fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Bat-Or Kalo with bassist Mack McKinney (from Little Rock, Arkansas) and drummer Erick Worrell.
When: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where: Vinos, 923 West Seventh Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, daily one hour programs will include educational opportunities on various art forms. There is no cost and attendees are encouraged to brown bag. Friday, Thomas E. Kaiser, Professor of History at UALR, will discuss the exhibit: “The Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France.” This exhibit tells the story of the Rey’s (creators of Curious George) journey to escape the Nazi invasion of Paris at the start of World War II.
When: 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m.
Where: William F. Laman Public Library, 2801 Orange Street, North Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Street Corner Symphony: Street Corner Symphony is an internationally known a cappella group based out of Nashville, Tennessee. These six southern gents were contestants on the second season of NBC’s reality show The Sing-Off claiming the second place title. They have a unique, laid-back-yet-dynamic style of a cappella, with expertise in a wide variety of music ranging from gospel and barbershop to rock and pop.
When: 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Connor Performing Arts Center at Pulaski Academy, 12701 Hinson Road, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Disfarmer : Don’t miss this production of Disfarmer, written by award-winning Arkansas playwright Werner Trieschmann and directed by Bob Hupp of The Rep. “Disfarmer” is a comedic portrait which tells the story of Mike Disfarmer, an eccentric photographer from Heber Springs who charged townsfolk and visitors a quarter to have their picture taken in the early forties—and caused a minor speculative mania decades later as New York gallery owners “discovered” his work and descended on the small Arkansas town.
There is an exhibit, a performance and book signing taking place Thursday through Saturday. Click here to check the complete schedule of events for Disfarmer including ticket information. **VIP and Student Option
Saturday, Sept. 27:
Acansa Late Night 11: St. Paul and the Broken Bones, This Birmingham, Alabama based soul band harkens back to the region’s classic soul roots while extending the form with electrifying potency.
**Event sold out!
Artists in the Park: The Arkansas Arts Center will host a visual artist day at MacArthur Park from noon to 6:00 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public. The first two hours are dedicated to children with a variety of art activities, and entertainment by Brian Kinder, a singer/ songwriter who performs rollicking goodtime concerts for kids.
When: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: MacArthur Park, 601 East Ninth Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Dallas Black Dance Theatre celebrates its 36th season as the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company out of Dallas, Texas. The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of 12 professional, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern jazz, ethnic and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers.
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: North Little Rock High School – East Campus
More Info: Click here.
Suspended Animation: Phillip Huber is most widely known for his work in the 3-time Academy Award nominated film “Being John Malkovich” and his work in the Disney film “Oz the Great and Powerful,” starring James Franco, Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis. Shimmering with nuance, sophistication and imagination, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience a world of sophisticated puppetry designed for entertaining discerning tastes. **VIP option
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium, 700 Scott Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Disfarmer : Don’t miss this production of Disfarmer, written by award-winning Arkansas playwright Werner Trieschmann and directed by Bob Hupp of The Rep. “Disfarmer” is a comedic portrait which tells the story of Mike Disfarmer, an eccentric photographer from Heber Springs who charged townsfolk and visitors a quarter to have their picture taken in the early forties—and caused a minor speculative mania decades later as New York gallery owners “discovered” his work and descended on the small Arkansas town.
There is an exhibit, a performance and book signing taking place Thursday through Saturday. Click here to check the complete schedule of events for Disfarmer including ticket information. **VIP and Student Option
Sunday, Sept. 28:
A Pointe of Chorus-Performance Only: Ballet Arkansas and Arkansas Festival Ballet perform at the Lucy Cabe Theatre during a festival picnic on the ground of Wildwood Park, with a musical performance by Finger Food between the ballet performances.
When: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Wildwood Park, 20919 County Road 40, Little Rock
***There is a Pointe of Chorus box lunch and VIP option with different times and ticket information. Click here for more.
Suspended Animation: Phillip Huber is most widely known for his work in the 3-time Academy Award nominated film “Being John Malkovich” and his work in the Disney film “Oz the Great and Powerful,” starring James Franco, Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis. Shimmering with nuance, sophistication and imagination, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience a world of sophisticated puppetry designed for entertaining discerning tastes. **Student option
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Temple Auditorium, 700 Scott Street, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
A Festival Picnic on the grounds of Wildwood Park with performances to follow by Arkansas Ballet, Finger Food, Arkansas Festival Ballet. Click here for special ticket info.
When: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Wildwood Park, 20919 County Road 40, Little Rock
More Info: Click here.
Ticket Information
Acansa Arts Festival ticket options include individual performance tickets ranging from $20 to $30 dollars, select VIP tickets for $50 dollars, a limited number of student tickets for $10, a Silver Festival Pass for $250, and a Gold Festival Pass for $350. The Silver and Gold Festival Passes enable guests to experience the full five days of Acansa Arts Festival, including access to all performances. The Gold Festival Pass also allows guests to attend VIP receptions and enjoy VIP preferential seating and parking where applicable.
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Enjoy!