Welcome to local canvas, our monthly roundup of who is playing, painting, and other events happening in the local art and music scene.
On view right now until August 27, is the Schools Out Exhibition at the Butler Center. The exhibition features work in various media from K-12 student artists from across the state. The Butler Center gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm, and admission is free.
Tonight at The Legendary White Water Tavern Atlanta, Georgia’s The Head bring their raucous brand of rock and roll to the stage. They’ll be backed by Dangerous Idiots, who make their triumphant return to the scene after a brief absence from frontman Aaron Sarlo, and the angelic post-punk of Midwest Caravan. All of your friends will be there, so you should be, too. Show at 9:30pm with a $7 cover.
On Friday, June 17, from 11am to 7pm, the Arkansas Record and CD Exchange will host a special event commemorating the release of Radiohead’s ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool. The band has put together an audio stream to be played over the store’s PA all day, including a selection of live tracks from their most recent shows at the Roundhouse in London, as well as a playlist of some of the band members’ favorite music. Oh, also there’s a chance to win free stuff, like the figurines from the “Camberwick Green”-themed “Burn the Witch” music video. You can also purchase the record or CD from an amazing local record store that deserves your support.
Again, on Friday, June 17, world-renowned songwriter, keyboardist, and all-around badass Wrecking Crew session musician Leon Russell will play at the Rev Room. The opening act is to-be-determined, but who cares when there’s an American legend in the same room as you? Doors at 7pm, show at 8:30pm, and tickets are $25 in advance or at the door. All ages are welcome.
I know, I know. Picking something to go to on Friday is going to be incredibly difficult. Yet another thing to add to the list is Rodney Block Does the ‘80s at South on Main. The Collective will perform a special set of pop music gems from that decade, as well pay special tribute to the late, great Artist, himself: Prince (RIP, from Minnie with love). DJ Hy-C (happy birthday!) will also be there to spin tracks and get everyone pumped. Show starts at 9:30pm, call 501-244-9660 for reservations.
Tuesday, June 21, Arkansas-native, writer, poet, guitarist, and Lucero frontman Ben Nichols will perform at the Ron Robinson Theater, presented by Arkansas Sounds. The solo-acoustic concert will feature music old and new, including his most recent EP “The Last Pale Light in the West”, a collection of songs based on the book “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are $20.
On Thursday, June 23, the Arkansas Arts Center will host dance instructor David Carter. From 7 to 10pm, Carter will be teaching the art of swing dancing, an essential move for anyone looking to impress their peers on the dance floor. The class is free for members and only costs $10 for non-members. Show up to the class and then show off your moves at one of the three shows going on Saturday night.
Saturday, June 25, is packed with music, including the fifth annual Summer Solstice at White Water Tavern, presented by Heartbreakers and Rumpshakers. The show starts at 10pm and for a measly $10, you can get down to the sounds of The Funkanites, Bijoux, and DJ sets by G-Force, Joshua Asante, and Baldego. This is going to be a dance party you won’t want to miss, so get on the floor, y’all.
Another Saturday, June 25, show, this time, at the Rev Room. It’s the third annual Vanapalooza, featuring a stacked lineup of rock and roll music, including The Federalis, Monkhouse, Go Fast, The Wildflowers Revue, and Charlotte Taylor. Proceeds go to The Van, and there will be a raffle and silent auction to participate in. Doors at 7pm, music starts at 8pm, and this 18-plus show is only $10.
Okay, this is the last one, I promise. Again, on Saturday, June 25, PJ Morton (of Maroon 5 fame, but really, you should hear his live album) graces the South on Main stage for an After Hours show that will prove to be all the rage. Morton is a gifted keyboardist and his heart is in every live performance, so he won’t disappoint (keep your eyes peeled for my interview with him which will be published next week). Doors open at 4pm and wristbands can be purchased the day of for $20. The show starts at 9pm. Call 501-244-9660 to make a reservation for a table.
