Matt Wilson's Good Trouble Quintet: An Inside Look

Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble Quintet is showcasing the spontaneous energy of jazz that only a few musicians are able to embody on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 pm. The New York-based drummer combines buoyant zeal, idiosyncratic style, infectious humor, joyous swing and an indomitable spirit of surprise.   

 Wilson is one of the most in-demand players and educators on the modern jazz scene, both beloved and respected by his peers, elders and students. Learn more about this “must see” performance from our in-house jazz expert, Robert Ginsburg. 

Good Trouble, the quintet’s name, comes from the late Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. “Good trouble has a very serious message about community service and the music manifests as a deeply moving and strident call to action,” Ginsburg explained. Lewis’s words have inspired people to continue fighting for justice and to "get in good trouble." 

“Good Trouble, the quintet’s name, comes from the late Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis’ words, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.””

— John Lewis

“How can you not be uplifted by music that took its inspiration from Lewis’s words: ‘Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America,’” Ginsburg emphasized. This group enhances music with a deep and meaningful subtext while never missing a beat. 

Each member of the band is a virtuoso and capable of rising to the call of spontaneous creation with veteran experience on the drums, piano, bass, vocals and saxophone. Good Trouble finds Wilson as boisterous and hard swinging as ever, Ginsburg said. Wilson has the unique talent and courage to tackle the challenge of blending literature and social activism with great music. 

Don’t miss your chance to experience this impactful and exciting jazz performance. Cabaret seating is $55 and tiered seating is $35. Tickets are available at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Give the Gift of Live Entertainment at Walton Arts Center for Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved ones with an unforgettable experience at Walton Arts Center. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly show, exciting live music, a classic theater performance, a hilarious comedy show or cocktail class, we have the perfect gift for your sweetheart. 

For Families and Kids: 

It’s hard not to smile when Sonia De Los Santos shares some of her favorite things through song. Her songs are inspired by various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa and festejo, as well as North American folk traditions from the U.S. Her new live family-friendly show, Sonia de Los Santos: Música, is coming to Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7 pm. Tickets are $10! 

For Live Music Lovers: 

Iconic singer and pianist Billy Stritch and acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Gabrielle Stravelli combine their considerable talents for an evening of great music celebrating the legendary Mel Tormé and Ella Fitzgerald. The show includes beloved favorites from the Great American Songbook, including “The Man I Love,” “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” “Cheek to Cheek” and swinging jazz standards such as “Too Close for Comfort” and “Oh, Lady Be Good!” Stritch and Stravelli perform Mel & Ella Swing!  on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 pm. 

The Burney Sisters, comprised of sisters Emma and Bella, create music with a maturity and emotional intelligence that belies their age. They write keen and knowing songs while arranging for multiple instruments and structuring unique and resonant harmonies. The result - personal and penetrating music that both connects with and captivates their listener. Experience the talent of these singer-songwriters on Friday, March 7 at 7:30 pm. 

Few musicians embody the spontaneous energy of jazz like Matt Wilson. The New York-based drummer combines buoyant zeal, idiosyncratic style, infectious humor, joyous swing and an indomitable spirit of surprise. Together, with his universally recognized personal warmth, these qualities have made Wilson one of the most in-demand players and educators on the modern jazz scene. Any jazz fan in your life will love Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble Quintet on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 pm. 

For the Comedy Fanatic: 

Tacarra Williams, also known as The Beautiful Beast, is a comedian and host of the new CW show "Totally Funny Kids." As the third oldest of eight siblings, her comedy revolves around family humor – voicing what people think but are too afraid to express. Williams champions women's empowerment in her routines. Grab your tickets now for a hilarious date night on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 pm.   

Ian Fidance is an offbeat yet upbeat New York City comic, actor and writer. A force on stage, his act is insanely positive and positively insane. Equal parts thoughtful, explicit and silly, he performs nightly at the iconic Comedy Cellar in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village, and now he’s coming to The Comedy Zone at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 pm. 

For Classic Theater Goers: 

Don’t miss New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Mikado, a new and critically acclaimed production featuring all of your favorite characters: Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner with his “little list” of potential victims, the fearsome Katisha, the hilariously ridiculous Pooh-Bah and the politely sadistic Mikado himself. A brief new prologue frames the classic work for today’s audiences. Enjoy this classic theater performance on Sunday, March 9 at 4 pm. Tickets are $10! 

Don’t forget the ultimate date night for any theater lover – tickets to see a Broadway show. Whether you give a Broadway classic like Funny Girl, March 18-23 or a new production, like Back to the Future: The Musical, April 8-13 or MJ, May 20-25 - your valentine will love it.

For Those Who Love Experiences: 

Looking to shake things up? Cheers to a fun time! Walton Arts Center’s cocktail classes Feb. 21-23 and March 20-22 are a perfect experiential gift. Purchase a cocktail class for $39 and enjoy light appetizers from Fayetteville High School's Brightwater culinary students while learning to mix two specialty cocktails crafted by our in-house team of local mixologists. You'll leave with recipes, great memories and new friends! 

Have tickets to a show that night? Add-on a cocktail class before your show and you'll be in your seat before the theater lights dim. No show tickets? Come anyway for a fun, hands-on experience. Must be 21 or older to participate. 

Purchase tickets at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.

René Marie: An Inside Look

René Marie is known for her commitment to her craft. She has released 11 albums, produced a one-woman show, conducted vocal therapy sessions and performed all over the world. Experience Marie’s unparalleled talent at Walton Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 pm. Learn more about this “must see” performance from our in-house jazz expert, Robert Ginsburg.  

Marie is an Americana roots artist with jazz improvisational chops. Influenced by her southern upbringing, she incorporates folk, R&B, country and classical elements into her music and approach. This has created a unique sound and style that have captivated her audiences worldwide. While neither of her parents were formally trained musicians, radio and records of all kinds – blues, folk, bluegrass and classical – made up the soundtrack to her childhood. Marie had just one year of formal piano training at age nine, then another year of lessons at age 13. 

Marie put her musical aspirations aside to make room for the obligations and responsibilities of adulthood – by the mid-1990s, she was the mother of two and working in a bank. When she was 41, her older son convinced her to start singing again and while her husband was initially supportive of her musical career reboot, things changed by the end of 1997, when he issued an ultimatum: stop singing or leave their home. She took a few tenuous steps into her local music scene, left her bank job, moved to Virginia, divorced her husband and produced her first album. 

Marie is a true stylist. Her voice, phrasing and delivery are unmistakable. She fills her music with passion, intelligence and humanity, setting her apart from other jazz artists. Marie has never forgotten her early lessons learned about the power of music. She easily strikes balance with the perfect amounts of light and dark in every musical offering. Marie is truly capable of reaching people and unleashing the power of their emotions, part of what makes her concerts so exciting. 

Marie’s unique artistry has been recognized with multiple domestic and international awards including two Grammy Award® nominations. Marie is more than just a singer – she is a lyricist, composer, arranger, playwright, actress, educator, speaker and social justice activist.  

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique and exciting concert experience. Tickets start at $35 and are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Walton Arts Center Tickets are the Trendiest Gift of the Season!

Gift the joy of a live performance this holiday season with tickets to shows at Walton Arts Center. There is guaranteed to be a show for everyone on your holiday gift list, from live music and hilarious, cabaret-style comedy shows to your favorite Broadway performances and even something for the kids too! We have created an easy holiday gift guide to make giving easy this year! 

For the live music lover: 

For 50 years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass. The first Cajun band to win a Grammy®, critics unanimously agree that it is “bon temps, every time they play,” (New York Times). BeauSoleil will bring audiences to their feet on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $10! 

For the thrill seeker: 

Brace yourself for the scare of a lifetime on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 pm, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and into your theater seat with INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR – an immersive live horror experience that brings your darkest nightmares to life right before your eyes. When a paranormal demonstration goes horribly wrong, dark forces are unleashed, and the horror becomes all too real. But what is real? What’s just part of the show? And who—or what—might be sitting next to you? The house is full. The stage is set. The Red Door is about to open. Will you make it through? Tickets are $40 - $95.  

For the jazz connoisseur:  

Vocalist René Marie has cemented her reputation as a singer, composer, arranger, theatrical performer and teacher. She borrows various folk, R&B, classical and country elements to create a captivating style. Her body of work is more than just music. It’s an exploration and affirmation of the bright and dark corners of the human experience. Don’t miss Marie’s heartfelt tunes on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35 - $55.  

Something the kids will love: 

Set to the sound of the n’goni, balafon, djembe, naffar, derbouka and dhol instruments, this dynamic concert invites kids and their families to discover Africa, the Middle East and India through rhythm, song and dance. From African rap and desert dance to Sufi rhythm and Bollywood dance, award-winning artist and percussionist Kattam takes you on an entertaining and educational journey on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 4 pm. Tickets are only $10! 

For the jokester:  

Helen Hong is a beloved comedian and actor who is bringing the laughs to Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 pm.  Her sharp wit and pulse on current events have regularly landed her on CNN, The Young Turks and “The Stephanie Miller Show.” She’s performed standup comedy on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and for troops in the middle east and international audiences all over the world. Tickets are $25 - $35.  

For the Broadway fanatic:  

Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ain't Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal, as the group's personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. Ain’t Too Proud is bringing signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies to the local stage Jan. 22 – 23 with three performances. Tickets are $45 - $94.  

For the nightlife enthusiast: 

Cheers to a fun time! Purchase a cocktail class for $39 and enjoy light appetizers from Fayetteville High School's Brightwater culinary students while you learn how to mix two specialty cocktails crafted by our in-house team of local mixologists. You'll leave with recipes, great memories and new friends! 

Have tickets to a show that night? Add-on a cocktail class before your show and you'll be in your seat before the theater lights dim. No show tickets? Come anyway for a fun, hands-on experience. Cocktail classes are available in February, March and April.  

Need more options? Look at our calendar to find a show and a ticket price that is just right for everyone on your gift list.

Gift certificates are also available, totally customizable and valid for shows at both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Tickets and gift certificates can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

Jonathan Kreisberg: An Inside Look

Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, is bringing his masterful yet unique sound to Walton Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm. Learn more about this “must see” performance from our in-house jazz expert, Robert Ginsburg.  

Kreisberg has been building his name as one of the most compelling composers and performers in jazz. A true virtuoso on guitar, Kreisberg combines pyrotechnic chops with a sensitivity to lyrics and harmony that reaches aficionados and casual fans equally. 

 “Audiences should expect passion, vision and innovation in Kreisberg’s approach. He is a master at selecting bandmates that share a telepathic understanding of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts,” Ginsburg said. “Kreisberg’s masterful technique, total commitment to the music and deep empathy for his audience is what makes his performances unique.” 

This performance contains a heavy dose of Kreisberg’s original compositions that are so well conceived they will stick in your head and leave you wanting more. This concert marks the guitarist’s return to Starr Theater, where he first appeared as a sideman to Hammond B-3 organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith. In this performance, he captured audiences with his brilliance, now, he leads his own band and shines even brighter. 

Don’t miss the guitarist, Jonathan Kreisberg’s return to Walton Arts Center. Tickets start at $35 and are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Sean Mason Quartet: An Inside Look

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sean Mason is celebrated for both his original compositions and masterful interpretations that meld the intricacies of jazz with diverse musical elements. Learn more about Mason from our in-house jazz expert, Robert Ginsburg. Experience Mason’s talent at Walton Arts Center on Sept. 7 at 7:30 pm.

“Mason represents a new generation of jazz artists who are deeply rooted in the tradition but with a personal mission to continue to move the genre forward with innovation,” Ginsburg explained to us. “He has found the unique blend of delivering landmark emotions and expectations along with surprises and explorations that make jazz an ever-evolving art.” 

Ginsburg also says that audiences should expect a youthful and exuberant show from Mason filled with a high level of skill. Mason has a fearless sense of reaching something new, and his music ultimately makes you want to swing and tap your feet! 

“An unabashed reverence for the masters before him along with a fearless desire to reach for greatness,” Ginsburg explained when asked what makes Sean Mason Quartet stand out from the rest. “This is a group of musicians who are making their debut in Northwest Arkansas with the potential of becoming the next big thing.” Ginsburg urges audiences to realize how exciting it is to be on the front end of discovering and experiencing the next big talent, especially at Walton Arts Center. 

Get your groove on and discover the next big thing! Tickets are $35 - 55 and are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.