Live Music Subscriptions that Stir the Soul

In an atmosphere reminiscent of neighborhood listening rooms and nightclubs, West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club cater to true live music enthusiasts, bringing artists from a variety of genres to Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater for intimate, relaxed concerts.  

The music and the artists are the focus of these series. The cabaret style setting allows patrons to connect with the musicians in performances like no other. Get access to all these amazing concerts with a West Street Live or Starrlight Jazz Club subscription package. Experience the exhilaration of live music, up close, the way it should be!  

 West Street Live

Celebrating its 10th anniversary season West Street Live, presented by Neal Pendergraft, hosts renowned bands, musicians and singer-songwriters performing a variety of genres from traditional roots music to immigrant folk songs.

 

The 1 Oz. Jig & Friends: A Tribute to The Last Waltz 

Friday, Sept. 19 

An all-star group of local and regional musicians, led by The 1 Oz. Jig, performs a tribute to The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell concert The Last Waltz. Just as in the original, this show will feature improvisations and appearances by guest musicians Rochelle Bradshaw, Candy Lee and Earl Cate among others. Take a load off and join the celebration of a transcendent era of American rock. 

Nashville Songwriters 

Thursday, Oct. 2 

  • Yeah Boy (Kelsea Ballerini) 

    Cheap (Chris Janson) 

    Smoke on My Jacket (Zach John King) 

    Love and a Heartbreak (Hayden Coffman) 

  • Close Your Eyes (Parmalee) 

    Take it Like a Man (Cody Johnson) 

    MIA in MIA (George Strait) 

    Whiskey Sour (Kane Brown) 

  • Knowing You (Kenny Chesney) 

    Whiskey Bent (Cody Johnson/Jelly Roll) 

    Double Down (Cody Johnson) 

    Take Me out To The Ballgame (Luke Combs) 

Professional singer/songwriters Keesy Timmer, Adam Craig and Adam James have written songs for some of the biggest artists in Music City including Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, George Strait, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney and Jelly Roll, just to name a few. Spend an evening with these hitmakers as they sing your favorite hits and describe the backstories and personal experiences that shaped them.

The War and Treaty 

Wednesday, Nov. 5 

Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War and Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Along with nominations for Grammy® and CMA Awards, they won two Americana Music Awards and have received additional nominations and recognition from CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, People’s Choice Country Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. 

 

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives 

Thursday, Dec. 4 

While he’s too gracious to admit it himself, Marty Stuart is a living, breathing country-music legend. A Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, Stuart has played alongside the masters, from Johnny Cash to Lester Flatt. Most importantly, Stuart continues to record and release keenly relevant music – songs that honor country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to see him in an “up close and personal” experience. 

Sunny Sweeney  

Friday, March 6 

The mastery of hole-in-the-wall venues, a major label stint and serious songwriting chops make Sunny Sweeney something of a rarity: an artist with barroom cred, mainstream validation and songs meaty enough to connect with any listener. Just as comfortable commanding a stadium stage on tour with Bob Seger as she is pouring her heart out from a listening room stool, this humble East Texas kid sings her own songs made up of equal parts wit, soul and hard truth.  

 

Mary Gauthier 

Saturday, May 16 

Grammy-nominated Mary Gauthier is one of the best songwriters of her generation, having written songs for Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and more. Since the release of her groundbreaking album Drag Queens in Limousines 25 years ago, Gauthier has brought together all kinds of folks from all walks of life with her deeply personal, yet paradoxically universal work.  

Starrlight Jazz Club 

With multiple Grammy® nominations between them, this season’s Starrlight Jazz club lineup includes some of the most influential jazz musicians on the scene today. 

 

André Mehmari 

Saturday, Sept. 20 

To music lovers and critics in Brazil, André Mehmari is a musical wonder and a source of national pride. All the world’s songbooks and literature are his realm – a borderless inspiration expressed in his compositions and improvisations. The latter takes special form in his solo piano performances where he invites audience suggestions, which he spins into an improvised suite. Mehmari invites you to come to the concert with the music you love and offers it for the creation of these one-time-only but forever-memorable creations.  

Tuck and Patti 

Friday, Oct. 3 

For over 45 years, this unique vocal and guitar duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers. They have appearing at times alongside Miles Davis, Count Basie, George Benson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and many others and have long been regarded by musicians and critics as the standard for a genre-defying, improvising musical duo.  

 

Camille ThurmaN quartet

Friday, Oct. 24 

Camille Thurman is an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, exquisite vocalist and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition. Her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire highlights her craft as a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist. She has headlined notable concert venues and jazz festivals worldwide – including the Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress and the Rose Theater – and has amassed several distinctive honors, including an NAACP Image Award nomination, a Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll nomination and two ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Awards.  

 

Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip & Steve Pruit 

Saturday, Nov. 15

One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Growing up, Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King. Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard in his playing on the 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Joe Henderson and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band.

Michael Mayo 

Saturday, Feb. 21 

Michael Mayo leans on his intuition as a vocalist, composer, songwriter and arranger. He stretches his voice through layers of heavenly harmonizing, hard-hitting beatboxing and heartfelt crooning without filter or pretense. This allows his voice to transmit raw emotion above an ever-evolving backdrop of jazz, neo-soul and R&B. He unveiled his full-length debut, Bones, in 2021 and cumulatively generated millions of streams. JAZZIZ raves, “Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals.”  

 

African Rhythms Alumni Quartet: A Tribute to Randy Weston 

Friday, March 13 

From Brooklyn to Rabat and Morocco, the late pianist, composer and community ambassador Randy Weston integrated popular sounds and folkloric traditions from across the African continent into his own legendary performances with fellow artists from across the world. Saxophonist, composer and multi-instrumentalist T.K. Blue leads his acclaimed African Rhythms Alumni Quartet in celebration of the late artist who created new and international pathways for artistic collaboration and communion. 

Subscriptions are now available for West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club. All performances begin at 7:30 pm. Come for the live music, stay for the cozy atmosphere and leave with a once-in-a-lifetime story! 

Subscriptions for West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club can be purchased by calling 479.443.5600, by visiting waltonartscenter.org or in-person at the box office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

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.  

Honoring Black History Month on Our Stages

Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of Black and African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. 

As the nation reflects on Black History Month, we want to highlight some of the amazing Black artists and creatives who are performing or showcasing their work at Walton Arts Center this spring.  

If you are looking for shows to see this month to mark the celebration, we have a few suggestions: 

Company

The five-time Tony Award® winning musical Company is bringing its groundbreaking musical comedy to Walton Arts Center for eight performances Feb. 20-25. In this gender-swapped Broadway revival (Stephen Sondheim originally cast the lead as a male Bobby) actress Britney Coleman plays Bobbie in the smash hit and leads the first national tour of the show.  

Coleman was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she found her love for theater early on.  

“Growing up, my parents had a season subscription to a theatre in Detroit, and I think about if baby Britney had seen someone who looked like me up there doing that, it would have been a game-changer” Coleman told Broadwaydirect.com “To know it had been done would have been thrilling to me instead of questioning every step of my career and asking ‘Is there space for me?’ I’m excited to be that for a lot of little Britney’s out there.” 

Coleman has found her space in theater and performed in multiple productions on Broadway including Tootsie, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sunset Boulevard and Company where she was the understudy for the role of Bobbie in 2021.  

With a sumptuous score from Stephen Sondheim, Company follows Bobbie navigating life and love in New York City as a 35-year-old unmarried woman with her coupled-up friends giving advice along the way. As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married and being alive in the 21st century could drive a person crazy. 

Ailey II

If you love contemporary dance, don’t miss Ailey II, founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. The company embodies Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.  

Dance Magazine calls Ailey II "second to none," and The New York Times declares, "There's nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II, the younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater." 

Alvin Ailey founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience. He established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, particularly those benefiting underserved communities. Throughout his lifetime, he was awarded numerous distinctions, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 1988 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to American culture. In 2014, he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions and commitment to civil rights and dance in America. 

Truly an inclusive company focused on outreach and accessibility, Ailey II is known worldwide for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest emerging dance talent with passion and creative vision. Sylvia Waters was selected by Ailey to be its founding artistic director, and she helped Ailey II to flourish into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. This outstanding group will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 pm. 

Featuring Black artists and their stories on our stages is not limited to February, so make plans now to see these shows this spring.

Jackie Venson

Rising star Jackie Venson’s wicked guitar solos and radiating glow has everyone taking note. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Venson has traveled the world playing to crowds both as a headliner and as support for major acts such as Keb’ Mo”, Gary Clark Jr., Aloe Blacc, Melissa Etheridge and Citizen Cope. Her blazing guitar skills and beautifully complex music connect listeners to the magic around them. For Venson, one thing she always holds true – she's going to play her music, speak her truth and spread as much joy as she can doing it. Experience this performance like no other on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 pm. 

Take 6

You can spend an evening with “the baddest vocal cats on the planet,” according to Quincy Jones, when Take 6 performs as part of VoiceJam A Cappella Festival. Receiving praise from luminaries including Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald – the multi-Platinum® a cappella sextet has collaborated across genres and toured the globe with their funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. Winners of 10 Grammy Awards®, 10 Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, everyone is taking note of Take 6. Don’t miss their Northwest Arkansas premier debut as the festival headliner on Friday, April 12 at 8 pm. 

Ashli St. Armant is bringing her debut theatrical production, NORTH to our stage. This musical for kids and families is a moving story that explores the multi-faceted reality of Black life during the antebellum period and aims to bring out the full range of experiences of freedom seekers during that time. While acknowledging the realities of slavery, the narrative explores themes of optimism, bravery, playfulness, wonder, suspense and mystery.  

NORTH

Set in the 1850s, NORTH is based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network, as well as St. Armant’s personal family history of overcoming slavery in Louisiana. This production features original musical compositions steeped in jazz and other historically Black music genres. St. Armant drew inspiration from an array of musical heroes including crooner Nat King Cole, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, the father of Afrobeat Fela Kuti and legendary lyricist Stephen Sondheim.  Experience this moving and personal theatrical production on Sunday, April 28 at 4 pm. 

Walton Arts Center is proud to spotlight the phenomenal Black artists and creatives who continue to shape and enrich our cultural landscape. The commemoration doesn't end in February, these performances invite audiences to join us in honoring and embracing the contributions of Black artists throughout the entire year. 

Your invitation to enjoy Jubilant Jazz at Walton Arts Center

Starrlight Jazz Club is back this season with six impressive and dynamic jazz acts. Each show is held in the intimate Starr Theater, getting you up close to some of the hottest musicians on the scene today. Each jazz show is immersive and imaginative, each artist putting their own unique spin on jazz. You won’t want to miss the individuality each quintet, trio and band has to offer.

Tim Armacost Quintet

Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 pm

Unique, electric and melodic are three words to describe this year’s Starrlight Jazz Club season opener. Jazz saxophonist and composer, Tim Armacost makes his second appearance in the Starrlight Jazz Club with a brand new quintet of veteran jazz luminaries. Armacost is accompanied by Joe Locke (vibraphone), Jim Ridl (piano), Kenny Davis (bass) and Rudy Royston (percussion). Robert Ginsburg, jazz curator at Walton Arts Center and host of KUAF's “Shades of Jazz,” described the Tim Armacost Quintet as “mainstream jazz at its very best, the music they create together is incredibly organic, purposeful and sumptuously evocative and swinging. Armacost is best known for his hard-edged tone and melodic figures that never quite travel where one might think, this thrilling concert is brimming with harmonic tension and release.

Jeff Lorber FUSION Trio

Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm

Starrlight Jazz Club is hosting Jeff Lorber, a fusion jazz super-star who has an impressive four-decade career as a Grammy®-winning pianist, composer and producer. Lorber transcends musical boundaries and hones his own uniquely identifiable sound by infusing his music with blues, funk, soul and R&B while still carrying the mantle of “adult contemporary jazz.” Curating the season, Ginsburg said the trio, “is an acknowledged pioneer of what would later become known as ‘smooth jazz’ and ‘urban jazz’, weaving together elements of funk, R&B, rock and electric jazz into an appealing hybrid that has consistently won over listeners.” 

Tierney Sutton

Saturday, dec. 2 at 7:30 pm

In high demand as both a studio producer and vocal coach, the nine-time Grammy nominee Tierney Sutton will be taking the stage at Starrlight Jazz Club on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm. Sutton is heralded for her impeccable voice, superbly imaginative arrangements and ability to transform even the most familiar song into a revelation. Her elaborate arrangements will be complemented onstage by pianist Mitch Foreman and guitarist Serge Merlaud. Sutton’s scatting boasts a clean airborne quality, and most important of all – she can swing!

Loston Harris TRIO

Saturday, jan. 13 at 7:30 pm

Loston Harris is an improvisational musician doing his part to continue a musical legacy, blending traditional jazz, gospel and blues with his own unique stylings. His piano playing has been described as “percussive” and “incredibly fluid.” His vocals noted as “suave” as he takes early inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Carole King and other pop and R&B bands. Currently, Harris and his Trio are living every jazz artist’s dream, playing the music closest to their hearts while ensuring jazz remains hip, complex and limitless. 

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band

Friday, feb. 2 at 7:30 pm

This stellar group features Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band who introduced a magnetic new musical synthesis in the late ‘90s. Since then, they have continued adding a jazz-inflected, gospel-rooted take to the jazz genre, Blade being known as “a peerless drummer with a gift for subtle shading and flowing undertow.” The electric Fellowship Band features two saxophonists, Myron Walden on alto and Melvin Butler on tenor, along with Christopher Thomas on bass and guitarist Kurt.

Aubrey logan BAND

Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm

Aubrey Logan is known best as one of the most brilliant contemporary jazz artists on the scene, moving between jazz, funk, love songs, Calypso-infused rhythms and traditionally inspired fusions, her vocals and trombone playing sway between the tender caress of a long-lost love and triumphant powerhouse performances. Logan is an inspiring singer-songwriter and trombonist who uses music to touch the deepest parts of the human experience. Working with some incredible names, including Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Josh Groban, Smokey Robinson and Pharrell Williams, Logan’s work is accessible, fresh and dynamic.

You won’t want to miss this all-star lineup so make sure to purchase your tickets and dust off those dancing shoes to join us at the Starrlight Jazz Club. Cabaret seating costs $53 per ticket and theater seating costs $33 per ticket. Subscribe to see all six shows and receive 10% off single ticket prices for cabaret tables or in theater seating. Subscriptions and single tickets are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting the box office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.

Live Music and Jazz Return to WAC in 2021/22

The greatest musicians in modern history began in clubs, cabarets, restaurants and listening rooms. With the 2021/22 season return of West Street Live and the Unilever Starrlight Jazz Club, Walton Arts Center gives patrons a special opportunity to see powerfully talented jazz and singer-songwriter artists in an intimate setting.

West Street Live

West Street Live features artists displaying a variety of genres from traditional roots music to immigrant folk songs in an atmosphere reminiscent of neighborhood listening rooms and nightclubs. The setting allows patrons to connect with both the music and the musicians.

Wild Ponies

Wild Ponies

Wild Ponies

Oct. 21

Wild Ponies look to their roots in Southwest Virginia for inspiration. The result is bold Appalachian music created by a multi-cultural band whose members span several generations.

Ray Bonneville

Dec. 9

With a greasy guitar style, horn-like harmonica, smoky vocals and pulsing foot percussion, Ray Bonneville is a hard-driving, blues-dipped, song-and-groove man writing about people on the fringe of society.

American Patchwork Quartet

Feb. 19

This group seeks to reclaim the immigrant soul of American roots music. Drawing on a repertoire of American folk songs, this group encourages audiences to discover their commonalities and bond across cultures and races.

American Patchwork Quartet

American Patchwork Quartet

Darrell Scott

March 4

Darrell Scott wrote songs recorded by more than 70 artists including The Chicks, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and more. Darrell Scott’s lyrics make sense of the world around us – encouraging us to consider what’s at stake and our place in it.

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem

May 5

Combining wit, camaraderie and songs that can shake or hush the room, this American Roots string band leave audiences humming and hopeful, spirits renewed.

Unilever Starrlight Jazz Club

The Unilever Starrlight Jazz Club celebrates America’s original art form by hosting top musicians from around the world in an intimate jazz club atmosphere with cabaret-style seating options and tiered seating.

The Huntertones

Sept. 10

The Huntertones brings people together around the globe with their high energy, horn-driven sound fuses inspired improvisation and adventurous composition melding jazz, funk, rock, and soul.

Jane Bunnett and Maqueque

Oct. 22

Jane Bunnett’s band showcase the finest musical talent from Canada, the U.S. and Cuba. The group were voted as one the top ten jazz groups by the prestigious DownBeat magazine.

Samara Joy

Samara Joy

Samara Joy

Dec. 10

With a voice of velvet, Samara Joy’ star rises with each performance. At just 21 years old, Samara has performed in many of the great jazz venues in NYC and worked with legendary jazz greats.

Sullivan Fortner Trio

Feb. 18

A Grammy Award®-winning pianist, composer and band leader, Sullivan Fortner pulls distinct elements from different eras, preserving tradition while evolving the sound.

Clark Gibson Quintet

March 5

A star-studded original jazz music project featuring bandleader Clark Gibson on alto saxophone; trumpet performer, Sean Jones; trombonists Michael Dease; two-time Grammy®-nominated organist Pat Bianchi; and drummer Lewis Nash.

Subscriptions for both the West Street Live and Unilever Starrlight Jazz Series are available now by clicking the buttons above, by visiting waltonartscenter.org or by calling our box office at 479.443.5600. Single tickets for both series will go on sale later this summer.