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. 

Celebrating Women's History Month at Walton Arts Center

Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of women to our society. At Walton Arts Center, we’re proud to highlight the powerful voices and stories of women through the arts. This month, we’re featuring two exceptional shows that showcase the talent and creativity of women. Join us as we celebrate their impact and continue to uplift women’s voices on stage and beyond. 

First up in March are two sisters whose musical maturity and emotional intelligence far surpass their age. Taking the stage on Friday, March 7, The Burney Sisters, comprised of sisters Emma and Bella Burney, 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. Their soul nurturing sibling harmonies and tunes are reminiscent of The Avett Brothers, First Aid Kit, Lake Street Dive, The Staves and Joseph. Cabaret tickets are $55 and tiered seating tickets are $35. 

Continue your Women’s History Month celebrations with a classic musical that you know and love that celebrates a real-life successful woman. The sensational musical comedy revival, Funny Girl, will be at Walton Arts Center for eight performances March 18-23. This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice. As a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage, everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.”  

Fania Borach, professionally know as Fanny Brice, was an American comedian who built her career on a Yiddish accent. She also was a model, singer and actress who made a variety of stage, radio and film appearances and was the star of the radio comedy series, “The Baby Snooks Show.” Thirteen years after her death, Brice was portrayed on the Broadway stage by Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl and that marked the beginning of a sensational Broadway musical.  Tickets are $56 to $109.  

Looking for a way to level up your girl’s night out? Purchase a cocktail class for $39 and enjoy light appetizers from Fayetteville High School's Brightwater culinary students while learning 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 Funny Girl 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.  

Mark your calendar now for Paige Hernandez, another talented female artist who is bringing Havana Hop to our stage on Monday, May 12. In this dynamic, multi-cultural show, the audience gets to dance along as one actress portrays three generations of lively women and infuses a salsa-style flair into hip-hop. This multi-cultural experience is written, choreographed and performed by Hernandez. Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar, but her lack of confidence gives her awful stage fright. With advice from her mother and mentors, Yeila begins to find her Cuban roots and build confidence. 

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.

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. 

West Street Live Kicks Off With Two Exciting Performances

Walton Arts Center is starting its singer-songwriter series strong with two November shows. Arkansas native Barrett Baber will open West Street Live on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 pm, and Tinsley Ellis will end the month with great music when he performs on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 pm. 

Presented by Neal Pendergraft, West Street Live is a live music series that brings you talented singer-songwriters performing is an intimate space akin to listening rooms in Nashville and other larger cities 

 After receiving the coveted four-chair turn on the ninth season of NBC’s “The Voice” and placing third, Baber has established himself as a “writer on the rise” in Nashville. Baber’s creative instincts have allowed him to gain the respect of many in the music industry, including legendary songwriter, Bobby Pinson.  

Baber specializes in alternative country and country rock, bringing soulful sounds to all his music. An extremely talented vocalist, performer and storyteller, Baber always leaves listeners wanting more. He engages with his audiences on a personal level, sharing songs and stories that take them behind the curtain and into his life as a modern-day singer-songwriter.  You’ve seen him on “The Voice,” now come hear him in person!  

Ellis will finish the month on a high note when he brings his unvarnished intimacy, intricate fingerpicking of his Martin guitar and hair-raising slide on a National Steel to the West Street Live stage. Ellis has been playing for over four decades, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to audiences. 

Ellis’s newest solo album, Naked Truth, is steeped in folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and Leo Kottke. The musician explained this album taps into the raw essence of blues that his fans have been seeking for a long time. He has been immersed in music his whole life, joining the Atlanta-local blues band Alley Cats in 1977 and forming The Heartfixers in 1981.  

“Ellis is a powerful and commanding presence. His music is impossible not to enjoy” (Blues Music Magazine). This is your chance to experience blues in a new way, grab tickets now! 

Limited tickets remain to both performances, so act fast! All shows are cabaret style, theater seating is $35 and cabaret seating is $55. Tickets 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. 

Rio Meets New Orleans Trio: An Inside Look

Three jazz superstars - Romero Lubambo, a Brazilian guitarist; Anat Cohen, an Israeli clarinetist; and Peter Martine, a pianist from Missouri - come together to bring audiences fresh, unique jazz sounds. Learn more about this trio from our in-house jazz expert, Robert Ginsburg. Then experience Rio Meets New Orleans Trio at Walton Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm.  

“All three of these artists have appeared in concert in Northwest Arkansas, but never together,” explained Ginsburg. “They are all acclaimed and accomplished artists who bring together the melting pot of ingredients that makes jazz great, virtuosity, style and history. This trio is the perfect storm of talent that brings to life the diverse influences of jazz.” 

Ginsburg said that audiences should expect a variety of Samba, Bossa Nova and Afro-Cuban rhythms and beats. Big Easy syncopation will also be incorporated, making this concert a swingin’ musical experience for audiences. Ultimately, jazz has become “world music” and this trio represents the best of all possible worlds. 

“The anticipation of how the trio will connect the dots stylistically and emotionally and how it will incorporate the history of jazz while shaping the future,” Ginsburg told us when we asked what excites him the most about Rio Meets New Orleans Trio. “The combination of piano, guitar and clarinet are a unique and unusual instrumentation for a trio and encourages the musicians to step out of the box of traditional roles for their instruments. Prepare for musical surprises on Friday, Oct. 18!” 

Dive into uncharted waters and enjoy musical surprises all night long! 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.  

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. 

Wondrous Winter Performances

Why just watch a holiday movie at home when you could enjoy the most festive, live performances at Walton Arts Center this holiday season? Walton Arts Center has shows that are guaranteed to bring the holly-jolly spirit to anyone.  

Welcome the holidays with a cheerful, family-friendly performance that all ages can enjoy. Lorrie Morgan is bringing her Enchanted Christmas Tour to Northwest Arkansas on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 pm. Drawing upon childhood memories of her father performing at the Grand Ole Opry during Christmastime, Morgan’s old-fashioned holiday performance will feature classic holiday tunes and carols. Tickets start at $35. 

Looking for more family-friendly holiday shows? The Snowman: A Family Concert and The Polar Express are both guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Join us for a special screening of The Snowman, based on Raymond Brigg’s classic children’s book, with the original score performed live by SoNA. This family concert is on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 pm and tickets are $10. The Polar Express is a free film screening of the holiday classic on the big screen, but reservations are required! Reservations will be open on Dec. 1. The film screening is on Friday, Dec. 22 at 7 pm and it's a PJ-friendly performance! 

If a non-traditional holiday show is more to your liking the Squirrel Nut Zippers will transport you into a world where Christmas lights meet the allure of a speakeasy. Led by extraordinarily creative Jimbo Mathus, the group infuses their performances with 1920s jazz, klezmer and vaudeville influences, resulting in a truly original, holly-jolly, Southern-roots sound. Grab your kettle corn, your favorite holiday sweater and join us for the festivities on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 pm. Tickets start at $25.   

¡Feliz Navidad! You are invited to a holiday show that blends Mexican and American Christmas favorites, all performed by Latin Grammy®-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México. The chart-topping group uses their uniquely jubilant style to reimagine holiday hits such as “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and many more! Taking the stage on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 pm, this is a holiday celebration the whole family will adore, and tickets are just $10. 

Kick off your merry and bright holiday season with us at a fun and festive show. Tickets to all shows are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting the Walton Arts Center 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.