Spring Celebration of the Arts
The end of the spring semester at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith draws ever closer, but there is still time to celebrate a host of fine arts events. The year was once again highlighted by the Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment, which featured the return of favorites like the AV¶¶Ňő Jazz Catz, and Season’s Greetings Concert and welcomed performances of “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel & Gretel,” and “9 to 5, The Musical.”
The Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment will conclude with its traditional grand finale, “A Grand Night for Singing.” That will be the conclusion of the season; however, there will be three other Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment events prior. Additionally, there will be a dozen more fine arts events before spring commencement.
A list of events can be found by visiting the AV¶¶Ňő Calendar of Events. All remaining events are free, but Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment events require a ticket(s), which can be downloaded by visiting the . All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
See the full slate of concerts and events to celebrate the arts:
Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment: Wind Ensemble – Tuesday, April 9
The AV¶¶Ňő Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, will perform works featuring a variety of styles and moods, from upbeat marches to dramatic and contemplative concert works. The concert will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center inside the Fort Smith Convention Center at 55 S. Seventh St., Fort Smith. Admission is free, but a to attend.
Poetry & Art: Azahares – Thursday, April 11
AV¶¶Ňő’s award-winning Latino-themed literary magazine, Azahares, returns with the launch of the 2024 edition. Join select authors and artists for an evening of presentations and refreshments in room 122 at Boreham Library, 813 N. Waldron Road, Fort Smith. Azarhares is made possible by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Student Directed One-Act Plays – Thursday, April 11 – Saturday, April 13
AV¶¶Ňő students in the Directing II class present a selection of one-acts at the Breedlove Auditorium. Admission to each performance is free, and no tickets are required. Discretion advised: mature language and themes may be present.
Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment: Jazz Band – Tuesday, April 16
The high-energy Jazz Band concert will feature student soloists who will perform many jazz styles, including swing, Latin, and blues. Admission is free, but a to attend. The Jazz Band Concert will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center inside the Fort Smith Convention Center at 55 S. Seventh St., Fort Smith.
Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment: Jazz Catz (Vocal Jazz) – Thursday, April 18
The AV¶¶Ňő Jazz Catz, a 10-member vocal ensemble and rhythm section, will present a diverse show featuring songs from jazz standards, blues, classic rock and pop, ballads, Latin, and more. Admission is free, but a to attend. The Jazz Catz concert will be held at the Grace Community Church at 4001 Brooken Hill Drive, Fort Smith.
Senior Recital: Dylan Richmond, saxophone – Sunday, April 21
AV¶¶Ňő senior Dylan Richmond performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment: A Grand Night for Singing – Tuesday, April 23
Don’t miss the grand finale of the 2023-2024 Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment. A Grand Night for Singing will feature the AV¶¶Ňő Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Leonis Chamber Singers, and special guests from in and around Fort Smith. The concert celebrates all forms of choral singing, from contemporary choral favorites to modern pop tunes and musical theatre. Admission is free, but a to attend. A Grand Night for Singing will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center inside the Fort Smith Convention Center at 55 S. Seventh St., Fort Smith.
Woodwinds Chamber Ensembles Concert – Thursday, April 25
The free concert features performances by AV¶¶Ňő students of the flue and clarinet ensembles. Audience members will be treated to various styles and genres, from consort choirs to small trios and quartets. The Woodwinds Ensembles Concert will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Percussion Ensembles Concert with guest artist Dr. Andrew Bockman – Friday, April 26
From smaller and more intimate pieces to larger ensembles and commanding music, an audience-favorite AV¶¶Ňő percussion ensemble will treat viewers to a night of eclectic music at the Breedlove Auditorium.
Senior Recital: Caleb Bivins, tenor – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27
AV¶¶Ňő senior Caleb Bivins performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Senior Recital: Mason Sangster, clarinet – Saturday, April 27
AV¶¶Ňő senior Mason Sangster performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Faculty Recital: Ginny Hudson, flute – 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28
AV¶¶Ňő music and theatre senior instructor Ginny Hudson performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Senior Recital: Andrew Hardin, percussion – Monday, April 29
AV¶¶Ňő senior Andrew Hardin performs at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Brass Ensembles Concert – Tuesday, April 30
Enjoy an evening featuring a variety of musical styles and genres performed by AV¶¶Ňő students from the music department’s various brass ensembles. The free concert features consort choirs, small trios, and quartets at the First Presbyterian Church at 116 N. 12th St., Fort Smith.
Opera & Musical Theatre Workshop Performance – Friday, May 3
Join the singing actors of the AV¶¶Ňő Opera & Musical Theatre Workshop for a night of performances featuring scenes and songs from various operatic and musical theatre works. Admission is free and will be held at Adelaide Hall, located inside Bricktown Brewery at 318 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith.
Senior Recital: Elijah Slaton, percussion – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
AV¶¶Ňő senior Elijah Slaton performs at Northside High School, 2301 N. B St., Fort Smith.
- Tags:
- Azahares
- Music and Theatre
- Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment
Media Relations
The AV¶¶Ňő Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send an EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu