Arts-Music

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas annual Power of the Purse luncheon is quickly approaching. On October 3, women making strides in their fields will be honored as guests learn more about the WFA’s mission and will hear from keynote speaker, Krista Bourne.

HBO’s “True Detective” is returning for a third season. After a prosperous first season and disappointing second, fans are hoping the third season returns to its former glory. For some, it’s sure to hit home in more ways than one. The season has multiple ties to Arkansas:

• Season three will star Mahershala Ali, recent Oscar winner for his role in “Moonlight,” as a police detective from Northwest Arkansas.

• Local Graham Gordy, co-creator and writer of Cinemax’s “Quarry,” will work on the season.

• “True Detective” creator, writer and director, Nic Pizzolatto, attended University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for graduate school.

“Harry Potter” is going from the halls of Hogwarts to the halls of the Robinson Center with the help of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. On Oct. 7 and 8, the orchestra will perform signature selections from all eight of the “Harry Potter” films, under the direction of Maestro Philip Mann.

The Acansa Arts Festival is hitting central Arkansas Sept. 20-24, bringing in artists from around the globe and highlighting those locally. From visual to physical arts, there’s something for everyone.

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Central High School integration, make sure to visit these events:

The ESSE Purse Museum is currently featuring the temporary exhibition, “Take Your Purse with You,” by Little Rock artist Katherine Strause. Paintings of women and their handbags inspired by mid-century photographs are on display.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will launch its first ever membership program on August 1. The program will allow members to set up their accounts to auto draft $9 out monthly. In return, members are able to attend any and all ASO concerts for no additional cost.

Scott Davis can’t think of a specific instance that sparked his passion for magic – because it has always been there.

During July, the Arkansas Arts Center will host two Feed Your Mind Friday gallery talks. The first event on July 14 features ceramics artist Julia Baugh as she speaks on her experience at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference. Prominent ceramic artists have been members of the organization since the 1970s.

Artist, INC, a cutting-edge business training program for aspiring full-time artists, will return for a third time to the Laman Library this fall on behalf of the Argenta Arts Foundation.

The Potluck & Poison Ivy storytelling series premiere was a success with over 100 attendees on May 25. The show encompassed both live storytelling by Kevin Kreese, Tyler Thompson and Susan Elder, along with live music by the PAPI band, featuring Heather Smith.

Jerry Fisk has been crafting knives as a master bladesman since 1989. Though his shop is based out of Nashville, AR, Fisk’s knives are known nationwide.

TheatreSquared will break ground on its renovation and expanded home, Our Next Stage, on June 23.

For the classic country lovers: Girl band meets country in The Wildflower Revue. Reminiscent of legends like Patsy Cline and the Dixie Chicks, their blend of classic country and Americana is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art previewed its new entrance, which includes an elevator tower and pedestrian bridge. It will open in June before the launch of “Chihuly: In the Gallery and In the Forest.” The new entrance aims to provide access and connection to the grounds.

This year’s Arkansas Literary Festival has an impressive lineup. We’re here to help pick which sessions you should attend.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild, a fundraising organization for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO), will present Rhythm on the River, a night out of dinner and dancing on April 28 in the Robinson Center.

Grab your lunch bag and pointe shoes because Ballet Arkansas is hosting Bag Lunch Ballet. People are welcome to bring their own lunches and learn about ballet’s tools of the trade, including techniques, partnering and more.

The indie folk band, Valley Queen, will perform at popular venue South on Main in Little Rock on March 4. The band is fronted by lead vocalist Natalie Carol, who is an Arkansas native. Valley Queen is described as reminiscent of artists including Fleetwood Mac, My Morning Jacket and Florence Welch

How will you celebrate Mardi Gras in Little Rock this year? There’s sure to be something for everyone.

Arkansas Educational Television Network has produced a documentary on the historic downtown Little Rock Dreamland Ballroom. The documentary, titled “Dreamland Ballroom,” will premiere on March 31 at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater as a part of Arkansas Sounds.

The 2017 UALR Artspree Concert Series will kick off Feb. 23 with a performance from the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet.

Ruby Bridges will speak at Harding University as a part of the American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series on Feb. 2.

The CALS Butler Center will display The American Dream Deferred: Japanese American Incarceration in WWII Arkansas until June 24.

The Arkansas Arts Center will debut three exhibits in January featuring artists Ansel Adams, Herman Maril and William E. Davis.

Bentonville’s newest restaurant and bar, The Preacher’s Son, will not only stand out for its food and beverages, but for its architecture.

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 2017 Distinguished Speaker Series lineup is not to be missed. Performance artists, NYC fashionistas, “Chef’s Table” creators, jazz musicians, sculptors and painters are all included.

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art recently celebrated five years since its grand opening. Facts, figures and achievements over the years were collected in a report. Here are some of the most fascinating pieces of information:

• 2.7 million people have visited since 2011. It is estimated only 55 percent are from Arkansas.

• The number of artworks has increased from 1,555 to more than 2,400.

• Increased accessibility and features will be added to the 3.5 miles of outdoor trails, opening spring 2017.

• An offsite interactive performance venue is in development and expected to open in 2019.

North Little Rock locals and film writers, Graham Gordy and Daniel Campbell, are in the process of filming the comedy “Antiquities.” Campbell serves as director and the team has joined forces with Arkansas-based production company Mortuus Pater Pictures.

“I feel like I have moved to the closest version of home that exists in this country,” said Louise Kenga Lorata Mandumbwa. “Southern hospitality is similar to African hospitality.”