The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association 2021-22 Season is proudly returning to live events. We kick off the season with A Salute to the Troops at the UAM Fine Arts Center (FAC) on Saturday, October 9th @ 2 pm and 7 pm. This will be an American variety show celebration featuring local greats, such as Charles Graham, Clay Young and Yvonne Shelton. The event is both a membership drive and a fundraiser for the association, which is in its 45th year of providing cultural programming for residents in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew, Cleveland, and Lincoln counties. Tickets for “A Salute to the Troops” are $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Veterans/Military attend for free!
For all events at the UAM Fine Arts Center masks are required for indoor events; however, social distancing is not required at this time
On Oct 16 @ 12 pm join us at the UAM’s Homecoming Tailgate Party with Rodney Block & the Love Supreme. Enjoy Mr. Block, who is a Dumas High School and UAM alumni, and his smoking hot jazz combo. “’Music is truly universal; it’s spiritual,’ says Rodney Block, arguably one of Little Rock’s best trumpet players and most iconic jazz artists.” This is a free event. Masks are encouraged, but not required for outdoor events.
Nov 12th @ 7:30 pm Dr. Kent Skinner directs the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and opens wide the event for outside voices from the community to join his UAM Concert Choir and invited soloists in a highly fun, musical production of a Pirates of Penzance Musical Review at the Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for veterans, and $15 for kids 12 and under. Anyone interested in singing is to contact Dr. Skinner personally at skinner@uamont.edu.
Masks and proof of vaccination required at the door to enter Pirates of Penzance performance
Get into the holiday spirit Sunday, Dec 5 @ 3:00 pm with Christmas Around the World by the West Edge String Quartet. This beautiful, award-winning Christmas album is performed live, on stage at the FAC. The excellent, Kermit Poling, conductor of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, plays 1st Violin in this group. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for veterans, and $15 for kids 12 and under. Masks required.
Saturday, Jan 22 @ 7:00 pm SEARK welcomes Tuba Skinny to Southeast Arkansas. Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences—from spirituals to Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz—their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances. A dance floor may be in evidence. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for veterans, and $15 for kids 12 and under.
Masks and proof of vaccination required at the door to enter Tuba Skinny performance
Finally, the annual SEARK Musical is back. Join us Monday-Saturday from March 7th through the 12th for The Little Mermaid, Jr. Community Theatre at its best! In the words of director, Kathy Lyon: “The Little Mermaid is the most refreshing musical story that will ignite your imagination, stir your desire for adventure and restore your love for live performance! This is sure to be one of our best-ever musical theatre productions.” Thirteen shows are scheduled. Six of those are free to southeast Arkansas 3rd graders though the SMARTs Program—Schools Majoring in the Arts. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for veterans, and $20 for kids 12 and under. Masks required.
Season tickets are available at the following prices: $100 for one (Associate), $200 for two (Friend), $300 for three (Investor), $400 for four (Patron), $500 for 5 (Sustainer), and $600 for six (Benefactor). Tickets for each event will be sold separately as well.
Photo: West Edge String Quartet, from facebook